<p>Italy’s Campi Flegrei has been restless again when it comes to earthquakes, and a new AI approach is helping scientists see what the ground is really doing. </p>



<p>In a peer-reviewed study, researchers from <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>, along with colleagues at INGV Osservatorio Vesuviano and the <a href="https://www.international.unina.it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Naples Federico II</a>, reanalyzed continuous seismic records. The team found more than four times as many small earthquakes between January 21, 2022, and March 20, 2025.</p>



<p>The researchers did not detect any direct sign of magma moving upward. Instead, they highlighted very shallow hybrid quakes tied to the hydrothermal system.</p>



<p>That fuller picture matters because small events reveal where the crust is stressed and how energy is moving through the volcanic field. With cleaner detections and sharper locations, scientists can track changes faster and judge when activity starts to cluster in risky ways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clear-signals-urgent-stakes">Clear signals, urgent stakes</h2>



<p>“Seismicity could change at any time, and that may be the most important thing about this study: this capability of getting a clear view is now operational,” said study co-author Greg Beroza, a geophysics professor at Stanford University.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supervolcano-campi-flegrei-naples-italy-solfatara-crater-phlegraean-fields-signs-of-waking-up/">caldera</a> sits within the Neapolitan area, where more than half a million people live and work. That density means even modest shaking or ground movement can disrupt daily life, strain buildings, and complicate evacuations.</p>



<p>History shows why clarity is essential. During the 1982-1984 crisis, uplift and persistent earthquakes damaged structures across Pozzuoli. A major analysis documented that the events triggered the evacuation of about 40,000 people.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-turns-noise-into-earthquake-signals">AI turns noise into earthquake signals</h2>



<p>The team trained a machine learning workflow on continuous waveforms and used it to scan years of data consistently. That created one catalog rather than a patchwork of methods, so patterns stand out instead of becoming blurred.</p>



<p>AI did more than count earthquakes. The workflow sharpened event locations and magnitudes, turning noisy curves into clean signals that line up with mapped features and known hot zones. </p>



<p>That is the kind of precision emergency managers need when activity jumps in hours, not weeks. One payoff is a much clearer view of the caldera’s thin ring shaped structures and shallow faults. </p>



<p>Those features organize the small quakes and help separate background rumble from changes that could matter for public safety.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcano-under-quiet-strain">Volcano under quiet strain</h2>



<p>Campi Flegrei is a large caldera, the broad depression left by past eruptions, ringed by faults and dotted with old vents and fuming ground. It is not a single cone, it is a field where different parts can wake up at different times.</p>



<p>The region breathes over years through uplift and subsidence known as bradyseism. Those slow vertical motions have been recorded for centuries and often line up with swarms of small earthquakes.</p>



<p>In the new catalog, most activity sits at very shallow depths and traces a narrow ring fault system consistent with surface features and the zone now rising. </p>



<p>The authors reported no direct signature of magma rising toward the surface in this interval. This lowers near-term eruption concern but does not remove the need for close watching.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faults-reveal-hidden-stress">Faults reveal hidden stress</h2>



<p>Faults are breaks in rock that slip when stress overcomes strength, and their length and orientation constrain how big an earthquake could be. When small <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthquakes-and-flood-zones-hidden-risks-in-the-pacific-northwest/">quakes</a> line up along a longer fault, planners can bound the upper size of plausible events rather than guess in the dark.</p>



<p>Seeing faults crisply also helps compare present unrest with past episodes. Shaking that migrates onto a new segment or clusters at the edge of the ring may signal a change in how the system stores and releases pressure.</p>



<p>Those signals are not predictions by themselves. They are inputs to models that weigh where stress is building, how close rocks are to failure, and what level of shaking the built environment can handle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-refines-risk-planning">AI refines risk planning</h2>



<p>Near real-time detections let observatories update maps of active zones as conditions evolve. That supports decisions like where to inspect bridges, how to stage ambulances, or when to test public alerts before a busy weekend.</p>



<p>Sharper locations and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-detect-major-earthquakes-months-in-advance/">magnitudes</a> also help engineers validate expected shaking levels against what instruments record in town. With that feedback loop, officials can refine microzonation, revisit building priorities, and tune maintenance schedules before the next swarm.</p>



<p>Past experience is a warning here. During 1982-1984, the harbor shallowed and commerce paused, schools closed, and the government approved new housing to relocate residents. </p>



<p>Planning for unrest is not only about eruptions, it is about everyday disruptions that stack up when the ground keeps moving.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-helps-not-predicts">AI helps, not predicts</h2>



<p>The present results point to pressure within a shallow system, not direct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magma-layer-keeps-the-yellowstone-supervolcano-dormant/">magma</a> rise, during 2022-2025. That aligns with other independent work that has argued for pressure buildup and evolving stress in the crust during long stretches without eruption.</p>



<p>Unrest can still change quickly. More small quakes could organize into tighter clusters, or uplift rates could shift, and those changes would be visible fast with the new tools.</p>



<p>AI does not replace dense earthquake monitoring or local expertise. It helps analysts keep up when data surge, flag subtle changes that a human might miss after a long night, and focus attention on the signals that matter most.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adw9038" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>.</p>



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AI detects earthquake surge beneath Europe’s most dangerous volcano

Italy’s Campi Flegrei has been restless again when it comes to earthquakes, and a new AI approach is helping scientists see what the ground is really doing. In a peer-reviewed study, researchers from Stanford University, along with colleagues at INGV Osservatorio Vesuviano and the University of Naples Federico II, reanalyzed continuous seismic records. The team found more than four times as many small earthquakes between January 21, 2022, and March 20, 2025. The researchers did not detect any direct sign of magma moving upward. Instead, they highlighted...

<p>A familiar idea in happiness research says people feel worse through their thirties and early forties, then things lift. That classic U-shape, with a midlife low and a late-life rebound, has been taught in classrooms and splashed across headlines for years.</p>



<p>New evidence released challenges that view. The new study reports that the midlife “unhappiness hump” has faded, and that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-immune-resilience-in-midlife-reduces-risk-of-early-death/">mental</a> ill-being now tends to decline with age.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-midlife-distress-has-declined">Midlife distress has declined</h2>



<p>A team led by David G. Blanchflower from <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu/dartmouth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dartmouth College</a> analyzed large samples from the United States, the United Kingdom, and a multinational dataset. </p>



<p>“We show this empirical regularity has been replaced by a monotonic decrease in ill-being by age,” wrote Blanchflower. </p>



<p>The drop in the midlife peak is not because older adults suddenly got much happier. The shape changed because younger people’s mental health worsened relative to everyone else.</p>



<p>In U.S. data, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-better-in-midlife-helps-you-age-with-strength/">middle-aged</a> and older adults look roughly stable over time. Younger groups, especially under 25, report higher distress than cohorts the same age did a decade or two ago. The same broad pattern appears in the U.K. and across dozens of other countries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surveys-show-midlife-change">Surveys show midlife change</h2>



<p>The team used the U.S. BRFSS telephone survey, which asks adults how many days in the past 30 days their mental health was not good. </p>



<p>Since the 1990s, BRFSS has run hundreds of thousands of interviews per year, providing a robust base for trend work, and the mental health days item sits in the official questionnaire.</p>



<p>For the U.K., they turned to UKHLS, also known as Understanding Society, which follows about 40,000 households. Mental health there is captured with the GHQ-12, a 12-item scale that sums to 36 points, where higher scores reflect more distress.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patterns-of-well-being-and-ill-being">Patterns of well-being and ill-being</h2>



<p>To check whether the new pattern shows up globally, the researchers used the <a href="https://sapienlabs.org/global-mind-project/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Minds Project</a>, which assesses mental function using the MHQ. That metric summarizes capabilities across emotional, cognitive, and social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-quality-carbs-in-midlife-linked-to-healthier-aging/">domains</a> on a scale that increases with better mental health.</p>



<p>These surveys measure subjective well-being and its counterpart, ill-being. The focus is not a one-time diagnosis by a clinician, but how people say they are doing and functioning.</p>



<p>That matters because policymaking often moves on perceptions and daily experience. As the authors show, the age profile in self-reported mental health has tilted in ways that match other social indicators.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distress-falls-with-age">Distress falls with age</h2>



<p>Earlier datasets commonly showed a hump in reported worry, stress, and depression, rising into midlife before easing. Today the line looks more like a steady slope downward with age.</p>



<p>Younger adults now report the highest levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercising-in-midlife-can-reverse-years-of-inactivity/">mental</a> ill-being. Older groups look comparatively more stable, which changes the picture for researchers and planners who assumed midlife was the peak period of distress.</p>



<p>The causes of distress in young people are still being debated. One active line of <a href="https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/aer.20211218" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> has found that the rollout of Facebook on U.S. campuses worsened student mental health.</p>



<p>Pandemic disruptions, weak access to timely care, and economic pressures may also play roles. The study authors point to those broad forces as plausible contributors for the last decade’s trend.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-youth-mental-health-crisis">Youth mental health crisis</h2>



<p>Mortality data capture the stakes in stark terms. In 2020, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db433.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suicide</a> ranked as the second leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 34 in the United States.</p>



<p>Education data tell a related story about strain and lost learning time. Rising absenteeism and reports of anxiety in schools fit the broader shift toward higher distress among teens and young adults.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-patterns-of-distress">Shifting patterns of distress</h2>



<p>The new evidence does not say older adults live in perfect happiness. It highlights a relative shift in levels by age that raises concern for youth.</p>



<p>The researchers also do not claim that one single cause explains the change. Social media effects, pandemic exposure, health care access, and labor market scarring could all contribute, and impacts likely differ across communities.</p>



<p>If the highest distress now clusters in youth and early adulthood, then mental health resources should follow the data. Faster access to counseling, school-based supports, and training for primary care would go a long way.</p>



<p>Measurement should keep pace too. Annual reporting that breaks out age bands with consistent cross-sectional methods can catch reversals like this sooner, which helps leaders avoid steering by an outdated map.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0327858" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PLOS ONE</em></a>.</p>



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No more midlife crisis? Young people now report the most distress

A familiar idea in happiness research says people feel worse...

<p>Fireflies light up landscapes at night using captivating bioluminescent displays in search of mates. Some enterprising spiders have now learned to turn those glowing invitations into deadly dinner traps.</p>



<p>Recent research reveals that a species of sheet web spider uses firefly bioluminescence to draw unsuspecting prey into its webs.</p>



<p>This unusual strategy has now been detailed in the <em>Journal of Animal Ecology</em> by ecologists at <a href="http://eng.thu.edu.tw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tunghai University</a> in Taiwan. The findings show a remarkable case of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-legs-no-guts-sea-spider-genome-stuns-scientists/">predators</a> reusing their prey’s own signals for survival.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiders-twist-firefly-glow-into-traps">Spiders twist firefly glow into traps</h2>



<p>Researchers noticed that <em>Psechrus clavis</em> spiders leave captured fireflies alive in their webs, where the trapped insects continue glowing for nearly an hour. During this time, the spiders check back repeatedly, seemingly aware of the signal’s value.</p>



<p>This observation prompted experiments in which the team added LED lights mimicking firefly glow to some webs while leaving others untouched. </p>



<p>The results were striking: webs with LEDs attracted three times more prey than control webs, and when counting firefly prey alone, the attraction rate increased tenfold.</p>



<p>This confirmed that glowing prey acted as bait, amplifying the spiders’ hunting success. The researchers also noted that most glowing victims were male fireflies, likely fooled by the lights into thinking they had found mates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncovering-signal-stealing-spiders">Uncovering signal-stealing spiders</h2>



<p>“Our findings highlight a previously undocumented interaction where firefly signals, intended for sexual communication, are also beneficial to spiders,” said Dr. I-Min Tso, lead author of the research.</p>



<p>“This study sheds new light on the ways that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geomagnetic-disturbances-throw-nocturnal-birds-off-course/">nocturnal</a> sit-and-wait predators can rise to the challenges of attracting prey and provides a unique perspective on the complexity of predator-prey interactions.”</p>



<p>The researchers suggest that this strategy may help spiders avoid having to produce their own light, unlike deep-sea predators such as <a href="https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lophius_piscatorius/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anglerfish</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiders-target-glowing-prey">Spiders target glowing prey</h2>



<p><em>Psechrus clavis</em> spiders (also known as lace sheet weavers) inhabit subtropical forests across East Asia. </p>



<p>Their main prey, the winter firefly <em>Diaphanes lampyroides</em>, emits steady, non-flashing <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/bioluminescence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bioluminescence</a>. This constant glow makes them particularly vulnerable to spider manipulation.</p>



<p>Video recordings revealed that the spiders treated various prey species differently. They immediately consumed moths, but they delayed eating fireflies.</p>



<p>“Handling prey in different ways suggests that the spider can use some kind of cue to distinguish between the prey species they capture and determine an appropriate response,” said Dr. Tso.</p>



<p>“We speculate that it is probably the bioluminescent signals of the fireflies that are used to identify fireflies, enabling spiders to adjust their prey-handling behavior accordingly.”</p>



<p>This ability highlights the adaptive nature of the spiders, showing not just opportunism but also prey-specific strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deception-at-the-heart-of-survival">Deception at the heart of survival</h2>



<p>The new study emphasizes that sit-and-wait predators often rely on deception because active strategies can be energetically costly. </p>



<p><em>P. clavis</em> already uses its body color and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiders-adapt-their-webs-to-filter-out-human-made-noise/">web structure</a> to lure insects, particularly moths. The use of glowing fireflies as a signal expands this deceptive toolkit.</p>



<p>The researchers speculate that this enhanced return reduces the spiders’ need to invest energy in maintaining bright body coloration for attracting prey. </p>



<p>In other words, glowing fireflies provide an outsourced signal, sparing spiders the cost of producing one themselves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-spiders-in-the-field">Testing spiders in the field</h2>



<p>The field experiment took place in the&nbsp;National Taiwan University’s Xitou Nature Education Area, a conifer plantation forest that serves as a living laboratory for ecological studies. </p>



<p>This setting allowed the researchers to observe the spiders within a natural environment where fireflies are common and the interactions between predator and prey unfold in real time.</p>



<p>To mimic the glow of captured fireflies, the team used carefully designed LED lights. These artificial lights closely matched the wavelength and intensity of firefly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bioluminescence-emerged-in-animals-540-million-years-ago/">bioluminescence</a>, making them effective stand-ins for the real insects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limits-of-artificial-light">Limits of artificial light</h2>



<p>Still, the researchers acknowledged that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-light-disrupts-honeybee-sleep-patterns/">artificial light</a> cannot fully replicate the complexity of genuine firefly signals. Subtle variations in glow, rhythm, and biological cues may influence how other insects respond. </p>



<p>For this reason, the team noted that using live fireflies would provide the most authentic test of the spiders’ strategy. </p>



<p>Yet such an approach poses immense challenges in practice, since handling, controlling, and releasing live glowing insects in the field is both logistically difficult and ethically delicate.</p>



<p>Even with these limitations, the findings carry weight. The results demonstrate that predator-prey interactions involve layers of deception, adaptation, and unexpected strategies rather than straightforward acts of consumption. </p>



<p>A firefly’s light, intended as a call for romance, may instead guide other unsuspecting creatures straight into danger. </p>



<p>In this case, what begins as a signal of attraction becomes a tool for survival in the hand - or rather the web - of a patient spider.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2656.70102" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Animal Ecology</a>.</em></p>



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Spiders learn to trap glowing fireflies then use them as bait to catch dinner

Fireflies light up landscapes at night using captivating bioluminescent displays...

<p>Astronomers have imaged a newborn gas giant, WISPIT 2b, that sits inside a wide gap in a disk of dust and gas around a young, sun-like star. The event was captured with the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (ESO VLT).</p>



<p>The planet shows up as a compact source tucked into the dark lane between bright rings. It moves from epoch to epoch in a way that fits an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jupiters-past-how-the-young-gas-giant-shaped-our-solar-system/">orbit</a>. The host star, WISPIT 2, is only about 5 million years old, so this is a snapshot of a system that is still assembling.</p>



<p>Richelle van Capelleveen of Leiden University led the research team that reported the discovery. The work brought together researchers from multiple institutions who combined their expertise to confirm the planet's presence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planet-forming-in-its-birth-environment">Planet forming in its birth environment </h2>



<p>Planet catalogs now list nearly 6,000 confirmed worlds around stars other than the Sun, a total tracked by NASA’s Exoplanet Archive in a recent update. </p>



<p>Most of those planets were not seen directly, but inferred from how they tug on or dim the light from their stars.</p>



<p>Catching a forming planet in its birth environment is rare. It presents an opportunity for scientists to test ideas about how giant planets grow and how their gravity sculpts rings and gaps.</p>



<p>Seeing the planet and the disk together also ties structure to cause. That link is essential if we want to explain why planetary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microlensing-trick-reveals-a-rare-gas-giant-exoplanet/">systems</a> end up with such different architectures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-telescopes-revealed-the-young-planet">Telescopes revealed the young planet</h2>



<p>The Very Large Telescope’s <a href="https://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/paranal-observatory/vlt/vlt-instr/sphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SPHERE</a> camera isolated faint light from the star’s surroundings and revealed a multi-ringed disk that stretches to roughly 35 billion miles (56 billion kilometers). </p>



<p>The rings are separated by gaps, and one of those gaps hosts the compact source identified as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-planet-gj-2126-b-discovered-just-124-light-years-from-earth/">planet</a>.</p>



<p>Across multiple observing dates, the point source shifted position in a way that matches <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/resource/orbits-and-keplers-laws/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Keplerian motion</a>. This means that its motion was governed by gravity in a bound orbit. </p>



<p>The team also showed that the source tracks with the star in the sky, rather than drifting like a background object.</p>



<p>In near infrared images, the planet glows from residual heat left over from formation. That glow stands out against the fainter, polarized light that is scattered by tiny dust grains in the disk.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-planet-soon-after-birth">A planet soon after birth</h2>



<p>A companion letter <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/adf7a5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> a strong <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/physics-and-astronomy/h-alpha-line" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">H-alpha</a> signal from the planet, the deep red light emitted when excited hydrogen drops to a lower energy state. That detection, made with the MagAO-X instrument in Chile, is a hallmark of gas falling onto the world.</p>



<p>Accretion means the planet is still building its atmosphere. The visible light signal complements the infrared image and nails down the planet’s identity.</p>



<p>Together, these measurements show a consistent picture of a young giant that is still pulling in material from its surroundings. They also give observers multiple ways to follow how its brightness and environment change over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planet-shapes-surrounding-dust-rings">Planet shapes surrounding dust rings</h2>



<p>The authors show that WISPIT 2b is the first unambiguous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-may-turn-planets-into-black-holes/">planet</a> seen inside a multi-ringed disk. That combination creates a clean experiment for studying how a single, massive body shapes nearby dust and gas.</p>



<p>The outer disk extends to about 35 billion miles (56 billion kilometers) from the star, while the planet orbits near 5.3 billion miles (8.5 billion kilometers). Its gravity likely helps keep the surrounding lane partly cleared by exchanging angular momentum with material in the gap.</p>



<p>Because the disk is bright and well-resolved, researchers can measure ring locations, gap widths, and the vertical height of the scattering surface. </p>



<p>Those geometric clues let theorists estimate disk viscosity, a key parameter that controls how quickly disks spread and how efficiently planets migrate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-models-of-giant-planet-formation">Models of giant planet formation </h2>



<p>In 2018, astronomers confirmed the presence of <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/pds-70-b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PDS 70 b</a> inside a large inner cavity, the first clear case of an embedded protoplanet. That system later turned out to host a second forming planet.</p>



<p>WISPIT 2b now adds a sun-like system with a clearly ringed outer disk and a forming giant farther from its star. It offers a second, different test case for models of giant planet formation and disk evolution.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-benchmark-for-future-research">A benchmark for future research </h2>



<p>Astronomers often use the astronomical unit (AU) to express distances in young systems, where 1 AU equals about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers). Converting to everyday units keeps the scale clear without introducing new jargon.</p>



<p>At roughly 57 AU, WISPIT 2b circles the star at about 5.3 billion miles (8.5 billion kilometers). The disk itself reaches out to around 35 billion miles, which is large enough to let observers resolve multiple rings and gaps from Earth.</p>



<p>Those numbers come from direct imaging and from fitting the planet’s small apparent motion relative to the star over several observation dates. The fit points to a bound orbit that is consistent with the gap geometry seen in the disk.</p>



<p>“Discovering this planet was an amazing experience,” said van Capelleveen. She emphasized how the system’s clarity makes it an ideal benchmark for future work</p>



<p>That practicality matters. A clean case lets multiple teams compare models to the same measurements and make steady progress.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-imaging-planet-formation">Imaging planet formation</h2>



<p>Follow up with <a href="https://www.almaobservatory.org/en/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ALMA</a> can trace gas motions near the gap and look for subtle kinks that reveal how the planet perturbs its surroundings. JWST spectroscopy can probe the planet’s thermal emission and search for molecules in its young atmosphere.</p>



<p>More precise astrometry will tighten the orbit and, with time, allow a dynamical mass estimate. That mass can be compared to the gap’s width to check how well current theories predict the link between planet mass and disk structure.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/adf721" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Astrophysical Journal Letters</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image credit: C. Ginski/R. van Capelleveen et al.</p>



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Newborn planet captured in the early stages after birth

Astronomers have imaged a newborn gas giant, WISPIT 2b, that...

Two,Baby,Elephants,Fight,Against,Each,Other

<p>Elephants don’t swing their trunks around for no reason. They use them to send signals with a goal in mind. When the stakes are simple - say, a tray of apples - elephant gestures become easy to spot and interpret. </p>



<p>They point their trunks toward the target, angle their bodies, and look at the person who can help. If that person looks away, the show stops. If the person pays attention, the message flows.</p>



<p>Though silent, these gestures speak volumes about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephants-take-more-risks-when-they-live-around-people/">how elephants plan</a>, how they use feedback, and how they manage social life. Purposeful gestures tell you there’s intent behind the movement - there’s a why, not just a what.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-elephant-gestures">Decoding elephant gestures</h2>



<p>Researchers set out to test a straightforward idea: when elephants gesture, do they do it with a specific goal, direct those gestures at someone who can respond, and adjust if the first try falls short? </p>



<p>A human stood by a tray that sometimes had apples and sometimes didn’t. The elephants wanted apples. The team created three outcomes: full success, partial success, and no success.</p>



<p>Semi-captive African savanna elephants took part. They’re used to people, so working around a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephants-remember-the-scent-of-their-keepers-for-decades/">human experimenter</a> didn’t throw them off. </p>



<p>The setup let the researchers watch how the animals signaled before and after each outcome, and whether those signals depended on the human paying attention.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-elephants-did">What the elephants did</h2>



<p>Most elephants gestured only when the person was actually watching. If trunk movements were random, they would appear regardless of who was in the room or where that person was looking. </p>



<p>Instead, the animals tracked attention, a key sign that they were trying to influence someone who could act.</p>



<p>Their follow-through told another story. When they got only some of what they wanted, they kept going. When they got everything, they eased off. </p>



<p>That pattern - pushing when the job isn’t done and relaxing when it is - fits the way intentional communication works.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-persistence-then-move-to-plan-b">Persistence, then move to plan b</h2>



<p>When repeating the same move didn’t help, elephants tried new gestures. That shift from <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352154622000547" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">persistence to elaboration</a> shows they aren’t locked into one signal. </p>



<p>If pointing didn’t pan out, they switched tactics, demonstrating purposeful signaling, not reflex.</p>



<p>One result may feel counterintuitive. They didn’t ramp up persistence more in the “no apples” outcome than in the “all apples” outcome. </p>



<p>An empty tray can mean the session is over, so the payoff for pushing drops. No point in hammering away if the game has ended.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multilayered-elephant-communication">Multilayered elephant communication</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-elephant-day-2025-fighting-for-survival/">Elephants communicate</a> through touch, smell, and sound - especially low-frequency rumbles that can travel over a mile through air and ground. Family groups are led by experienced females. </p>



<p>Calves learn by watching and practicing. Within those tight circles, signals need to be clear, whether they’re coordinating movement, keeping track of calves, or handling tense moments at a waterhole.</p>



<p>The trunk is a communication powerhouse with fine control to pick up a blade of grass or tug down a branch. With that range, elephants can point, nudge, block, or beckon with precision. </p>



<p>The new results fold into that picture: gestures aren’t random flourishes; they’re tools for getting things done.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intentionality-behind-elephant-gestures">Intentionality behind elephant gestures</h2>



<p>Scientists use the phrase “first-order intentionality” to describe signals meant to change someone’s behavior - hand me that, come here, keep going. </p>



<p>By tracking attention, persisting after partial success, and shifting strategies when needed, elephants hit those marks across many gestures, not just a single trick.</p>



<p>That broad pattern matters. In social animals with long lives and strong family ties, the ability to tailor signals to the situation pays off. You see similar logic in species that rely on cooperation and memory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-done">How the study was done</h2>



<p>The study team watched 17 elephants and documented 38 distinct gesture types aimed either at the person or at the apples. They also noted what didn’t happen: elephants didn’t waste time signaling toward an empty tray. </p>



<p>That detail backs the idea that the goal steers the gesture. The researchers are careful about limits and call for follow-up work in wild settings and in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asian-elephants-perform-a-special-burial-ritual-for-their-calves/">elephant-to-elephant</a> interactions.</p>



<p>They make clear that this is about first-order intent, not changing what someone knows or believes. </p>



<p>They also point out that routines around food and timing could shape how often an animal chooses to keep trying when the tray is empty. Those caveats sharpen the main pattern.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-elephant-gestures-matter">Why elephant gestures matter</h2>



<p>Understanding intentional communication changes how people handle <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abe7389" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">real-world situations</a> with elephants. In protected areas and reserves, clear signals can reduce stress during veterinary checks or transport. </p>



<p>In community settings where elephants and people cross paths, knowing that attention and feedback shape behavior can guide calmer responses. Treat gestures not as noise but as messages that can be interpreted and answered.</p>



<p>It also supports better enrichment and training. If an elephant is actively monitoring your attention and adjusting tactics, then consistent cues and meaningful rewards aren’t optional. They’re part of a two-way conversation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-and-elephants-talking">Humans and elephants "talking"</h2>



<p><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3986168/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tests with wild elephants</a> will show how these patterns play out away from feeding stations and daily routines. </p>



<p>Fieldwork can track how gestures function during travel, greeting, or conflict, and tease apart which signals are universal and which are learned within a family.</p>



<p>As the catalog grows, so will our ability to read <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-era-in-wildlife-conservation-how-ai-will-help-protect-elephants/">what elephants are saying</a> with more accuracy and respect.</p>



<p>Elephants aim their gestures at someone who can act, keep at it when they get only part of what they want, and switch to new signals when repeating the old ones doesn’t work. </p>



<p>It’s purposeful communication - and once you notice it, you don’t see elephants the same way again.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.242203" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.</em></p>



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Elephants communicate in a way that scientists thought was unique to humans

Elephants don’t swing their trunks around for no reason. They...

<p>Acne is annoying. It shows up suddenly, sometimes right before an important event, and refuses to go away quickly. People have tried creams, pills, face washes, and countless home remedies. Some work, some don’t, and many take weeks.</p>



<p>That’s why pimple patches became so popular. You peel one off, stick it on the zit, and hope for the best. But researchers have now created a version that does much more than hide the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/teen-skin-bacteria-could-hold-the-secret-to-acne-prevention/">problem</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regular-pimple-patches-fall-short">Regular pimple patches fall short</h2>



<p>Regular pimple patches soak up oil and moisture. Some release anti-inflammatory or antibacterial medicine. Others use microarrays - rows of tiny spikes - to push ingredients under the skin. They work, but there’s a catch. </p>



<p>These spikes often shift during use, making the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/summer-skin-care-dermatologists-reveal-the-ingredients-they-trust/">patch</a> less effective and sometimes irritating. Shayan Fakhraei Lahiji, Yong-Hee Kim, and their colleagues thought they could fix this problem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-pimple-patch-that-locks-into-skin">A pimple patch that locks into skin</h2>



<p>The team used a 3D printer to make arrowhead-shaped spikes instead of straight ones. These new shapes grip the skin and stay in place. The base of the patch is made of hyaluronic acid, a common skincare ingredient that also hydrates. </p>



<p>Into that base, the researchers added either antibacterial agents like salicylic acid and cannabis sativa extract or anti-inflammatory agents such as niacinamide and chamomile extract. This design allowed them to treat acne in two stages - kill bacteria first, then calm the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indoor-comfort-depends-more-on-your-skin-than-the-air-temperature/">skin</a>.</p>



<p>The patch breaks treatment into steps, similar to how dermatologists manage acne. However, the patch delivers treatment more quickly, precisely, and directly to the affected area without any extra effort.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-solutions-for-everyday-people">Skin solutions for everyday people</h2>



<p>To test the system, 20 people with acne tried the patches. On day one, they applied the antibacterial version. For the next six days, they used the anti-inflammatory version. The spikes dissolved in the skin within 30 to 90 minutes without pain or irritation.</p>



<p>Unlike creams or tablets, the patch delivered the medicine right where it was needed. Participants also appreciated the convenience, since the treatment blended easily into daily routines without drawing attention. </p>



<p>This made the patch not only <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-skins-bacteria-could-be-a-natural-sunscreen/">effective</a> but also practical for real-world use, a critical factor when developing skincare solutions meant for everyday people rather than just controlled lab settings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-acne-reduced-by-81-percent">Acne reduced by 81 percent</h2>



<p>The numbers were impressive. After three days, acne lesions dropped by 81 percent compared to untreated pimples. </p>



<p>After seven days, the pimples disappeared completely. Sebum levels, the oily substance linked to acne, also went down.</p>



<p>Satisfaction was high - 95 percent of participants said they were happy with the treatment. For people who struggle with breakouts, these results are difficult to ignore.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-access-to-the-pimple-patch">Public access to the pimple patch</h2>



<p>The team doesn’t plan to keep this as a lab experiment. The patches are expected to hit the market in fall 2025 in South Korea and the United States. </p>



<p>Unlike trendy skincare products that vanish after a year, this one is backed by data. It is simple to use and clinically tested, making it stand out in a crowded industry.</p>



<p>The story doesn’t stop with pimples. Changing the ingredients could turn this small patch into a tool for tackling bigger medical problems.</p>



<p>“Our work highlights the potential of microarray patches as a platform for applications beyond acne treatment, ranging from skin disorders to obesity therapies and vaccine delivery,” explained Yong-Hee Kim.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-patch-big-future">Small patch, big future</h2>



<p>A simple sticker for acne may not sound groundbreaking. Yet this study shows how science can turn a daily nuisance into an entry point for new medical technology. </p>



<p>Today, it’s about clearer skin. Tomorrow, the same patch design might deliver vaccines or treat chronic diseases. That’s the kind of leap that starts small but matters everywhere.</p>



<p>And while acne may be the starting point, the broader lesson is clear: innovation often grows from solving everyday frustrations. What begins as a fix for a pimple could evolve into a platform that shapes future healthcare, proving that even the smallest inventions can spark big change.</p>



<p>The researchers are part of <a href="https://www.cursusbio.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cursus Bio Inc.</a>, a company that works on microarray technologies. Their efforts show how government support and private companies can push new treatments closer to real-world use.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsami.5c07718" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>ACS Applied Materials &amp; Interfaces</em></a>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Pimples may soon be a thing of the past with new medical patch

Acne is annoying. It shows up suddenly, sometimes right before...

<p>When we walk across farmland, we see only the parts of plants above ground. Below the surface, roots provide stability, take up water and nutrients, and store carbon in the soil. Yet despite their importance, researchers have had no precise way to measure roots.</p>



<p>“We have always known that roots are important, but we have lacked a precise tool to measure them. It’s a bit like studying marine ecosystems without ever being able to dive beneath the surface of the water,” noted Henrik Brinch-Pedersen from <a href="https://international.au.dk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-old-ways-failed-to-measure-roots">Old ways failed to measure roots</h2>



<p>The usual way meant digging up soil, rinsing roots, drying them, and weighing them. It took hours and destroyed many of the fine roots that matter most. </p>



<p>Scientists also tried methods like rhizotrons or tracer studies. These helped but often underestimated root <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-roots-rewire-themselves-to-fight-drought/">biomass</a>.</p>



<p>Fine roots - the ones that take up nutrients and release carbon - were especially easy to lose. Without them, much of the underground story stayed invisible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-reveals-hidden-root-systems">DNA reveals hidden root systems</h2>



<p>Now comes droplet digital PCR, or ddPCR. Instead of tearing apart the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-roots-defy-gravity-when-water-is-scarce/">soil</a>, scientists divide a tiny sample into thousands of droplets and test each for DNA. They use a genetic marker called ITS2, which acts like a barcode. </p>



<p>This doesn’t just show that roots exist in the soil. It shows which species they belong to and how much they contribute.</p>



<p>“It’s a bit like giving the soil a DNA test. We can suddenly see the hidden distribution of species and biomass without digging up the whole field,” said Brinch-Pedersen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reliable-root-measurements">Reliable root measurements</h2>



<p>Earlier approaches like qPCR struggled with soil contaminants and inconsistent reactions. The ddPCR method avoids these problems by turning each droplet into a tiny reaction chamber. </p>



<p>The technology counts DNA molecules directly, using statistics to link those counts to root biomass. The result is a reliable measurement, even in complex soils with multiple plant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-change-their-roots-to-survive-harsh-conditions/">species</a>.</p>



<p>The method also works across a wide range of concentrations. Whether the sample contains lots of roots or very few, ddPCR maintains accuracy. That flexibility makes it suitable for both small experimental plots and large, diverse fields.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-method-works-in-mixed-roots">DNA method works in mixed roots</h2>



<p>To test it, researchers mixed soils containing ryegrass, white clover, and yarrow. They found that ddPCR identified each plant and measured its share of the underground biomass.</p>



<p>Hybrids like ryegrass crosses sometimes confused the system, but overall, the accuracy remained high.</p>



<p>Even when species grew together, the method could still tease apart their contributions. That is something old root washing methods could never do with confidence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-it-matters">Why it matters</h2>



<p>The new digital DNA method has the potential to transform how we study crops. Climate researchers can now calculate how much carbon plants actually store underground.</p>



<p>Breeders can choose crop varieties that send more growth into roots without hurting yields. Ecologists can finally see how plants compete or cooperate beneath the surface.</p>



<p>“We see great potential in using this method to develop varieties that store more carbon in the soil. It could become an important tool in future agriculture,” noted Brinch-Pedersen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-roots-play-a-role-in-storing-carbon">Roots play a role in storing carbon</h2>



<p>Roots are more than anchors. They could be powerful allies in slowing climate change. Plants pull in carbon dioxide and send some of it underground, where it can stay locked away for decades. But without precise tools, proving this has been difficult. The ddPCR technology gives scientists that missing tool.</p>



<p>Imagine grasslands where certain species funnel extra carbon into deep roots. Or croplands where breeders select varieties with stronger underground storage potential. With the right choices, agriculture could shift from being a major emitter to a carbon sink.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-still-remain">Challenges still remain</h2>



<p>The method isn’t perfect. Hybrids remain tricky, since their DNA overlaps with parent species. Each plant type needs its own probe, which takes effort to design and test. </p>



<p>Probe development requires careful validation, because even small genetic changes can throw results off. Still, once a probe library expands, the technology becomes faster and easier to apply.</p>



<p>“For us, the most important thing is that we have shown it can be done. That is the foundation we can build upon. Our vision is to expand the DNA library so that in the future we can measure many more species directly in soil samples,” noted Brinch-Pedersen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-roots-with-dna-tools">Studying roots with DNA tools</h2>



<p>Droplet digital PCR already works in medicine for spotting rare mutations and pathogens. Applying it to roots is a natural next step. </p>



<p>Once established, the method is simple, scalable, and powerful. It could help create crops that store more carbon belowground while keeping food production steady.</p>



<p>Beyond crops, the technology could also reshape how we manage ecosystems. Grasslands, forests, and mixed farmlands all depend on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-roots-use-a-chemical-code-to-fight-stress-and-share-resources/">root systems</a> we rarely measure well. Now, we finally have a way to look underground without tearing everything apart.</p>



<p>For the first time, researchers can explore the hidden world beneath our feet - and measure it with confidence.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://academic.oup.com/plphys/article/198/3/kiaf276/8173641" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plant Physiology</a>.</em></p>



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Unlocking the hidden half of plants with DNA

When we walk across farmland, we see only the parts...

<p>Commercial beekeepers entered 2025 with hives that should have been ready for almonds. Yet, many watched their colonies dwindle week after week. </p>



<p>Reports from across the United States pointed to deep bee losses and a puzzle that demanded answers fast.</p>



<p>In late winter, federal teams pulled samples and tallied the damage. </p>



<p>A USDA press account put the average losses above 60 percent since the prior summer, about 1.7 million colonies, with an estimated cost of $600 million.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bee-colonies-collapse-under-parasite">Bee colonies collapse under parasite</h2>



<p>A <a href="https://www.usda.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA</a> preprint traced the crash to a sharp rise in viruses in <a href="https://honeybeenet.gsfc.nasa.gov/Honeybees/Basics.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honey bees</a>, coupled with widespread resistance in the parasitic mite that spreads them. </p>



<p>The team screened pooled samples from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/science-is-giving-beekeepers-a-better-way-to-fight-colony-collapse/">living colonies</a> and individual sick bees, then checked the mites for resistance markers.</p>



<p>The culprit was <em>Varroa destructor</em>, an external <a href="https://www.ars.usda.gov/pacific-west-area/tucson-az/carl-hayden-bee-research-center/research/varroa/varroa-overview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parasitic mite</a> that feeds on bees and spreads viruses among them. When mite levels surge, virus transmission accelerates inside a colony, and the workforce ages out faster than it can be replaced.</p>



<p>In the lab, inocula taken from dying bees killed healthy bees even at extreme dilutions, aligning with field observations of rapid collapse.</p>



<p>The authors concluded that viruses were a likely end stage in the failure sequence. Other pressures probably primed colonies to collapse.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viruses-pushing-hives-over-the-edge">Viruses pushing hives over the edge</h2>



<p>Two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-it-possible-to-smell-pathogens-and-fight-them-before-an-infection/">pathogens</a> stood out: deformed wing virus and acute bee paralysis virus. Both are <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25675979/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">single-stranded RNA viruses</a>, and both can shorten adult lifespans and cripple brood production when they run unchecked.</p>



<p>Lead researcher Zachary S. Lamas is with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bee Research Laboratory (ARS).</p>



<p>"Miticide resistance was found in all collected <em>Varroa</em>, underscoring the urgent need for new control strategies for this parasite," he said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-treatments-stop-working">When treatments stop working</h2>



<p>For years, many operations leaned on amitraz, a synthetic acaricide used to knock back mites. A miticide is a pesticide formulated to kill mites, and rotating products is one way to slow the development of resistance in the target pest.</p>



<p>An outside study linked a mutation in <em>Varroa</em> mites to their growing ability to survive amitraz treatments in the United States. </p>



<p>That mutation turns up when selection pressure favors mites that can survive a treatment, which leaves beekeepers with fewer reliable tools.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bee-parasites-spread-viral-threats">Bee parasites spread viral threats</h2>



<p>Honey bees are a managed pollinator, and their viruses do not always stay in one place. There is evidence that <a href="https://txbeeinspection.tamu.edu/deformed-wing-virus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deformed wing virus (DWV)</a> can replicate in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-honey-bee-day-2025-why-pollinators-matter/">bumble bees</a> under certain conditions, even though natural transmission routes can be limited.</p>



<p>Spillover risk rises around dense apiaries where mites and viruses are abundant - an issue that matters because wild pollinators add resilience to landscapes that rely on many different insects to carry pollen.</p>



<p>That risk is especially relevant in large-scale pollination events. California’s almond bloom is the biggest managed pollination effort in the world. </p>



<p>Each year, about 2.4 million hives are required, with more than 1.5 million trucked in from across the country.</p>



<p>“Our nation’s food supply thrives and is sustained, by the work of our pollinators,” said Acting ARS Administrator Joon Park. And food production leans on bees for far more than just nuts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mite-behind-the-spiral">The mite behind the spiral</h2>



<p><em>Varroa</em> mites move quickly among adult workers and feed on developing brood. Even low numbers of this bee parasite can seed a virus outbreak that escalates as colonies ramp up.</p>



<p>Unchecked mite growth can push a colony past a tipping point, where older workers die faster than new workers emerge. At that stage, the population curve bends downward and the colony falters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pressure-from-many-directions">Pressure from many directions</h2>



<p>Pesticide exposure, poor forage, heat, and transport stress can all weaken a colony’s ability to handle infection. </p>



<p>Those stressors do not act alone, and their combined effects show up in shorter lifespans and poorer brood patterns.</p>



<p>"While viruses are a likely end-stage cause of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parasitic-crickets-hide-in-ant-colonies-without-being-caught/">colony death</a>, these results do not rule out the importance of other long-known challenges to honey bees," said ARS Research Leader Dr. Judy Chen. She emphasized that viruses likely act as the last step in a chain of problems.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-action-on-bee-parasites-saves-colonies">Early action on bee parasites saves colonies</h2>



<p>Operations benefit from measuring mite loads on a schedule and treating before thresholds are crossed. Rotating active ingredients and incorporating non chemical tools like brood breaks can slow resistance and reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-spread-viruses-to-bumblebees-in-the-spring/">virus</a> pressure.</p>



<p>Nutrition still matters. Access to diverse pollen can support immune function in workers and help colonies recover from routine stress.</p>



<p>Researchers are screening bees and mites from new loss events to monitor resistance and viral combinations. The search is also on for new chemistries and non chemical strategies that can slot into real world workflows.</p>



<p>Better early warning would help. If beekeepers can catch mite numbers before winter, they can prevent the late season spiral that takes colonies down when they are least able to rebuild.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.28.656706v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>bioRxiv</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image: <em>Varroa destructor recto verso</em>, by Gilles San Martin, via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Varroa_recto_verso_vertical.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wikimedia Commons</a>, CC BY-SA 3.0 license.</p>



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Scientists identify the parasite that's driving bees 'into a death spiral'

Commercial beekeepers entered 2025 with hives that should have been...

<p>In the last 50 years, our eating habits have dramatically shifted. More people are living with excess weight and type 2 diabetes, men’s sperm quality has declined, and ultra-processed foods have come to dominate supermarket shelves.</p>



<p>The big question is whether the danger comes from the calories, the strange industrial ingredients, or the way processing itself changes food. A new study points straight at processing as the real problem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-same-calories-worse-results">Same calories, worse results</h2>



<p>The researchers ran a strict experiment with 43 young men. The participants followed two diets - ultra-processed and unprocessed - for three weeks each, with a break in between.</p>



<p>Meals were matched for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-almonds-can-help-you-cut-calories/">calories</a>, protein, fat, and carbs. Some men ate just enough for their bodies, while others got 500 extra calories.</p>



<p>The results were striking. Men eating ultra-processed foods gained about a kilogram (2.2 pounds) more fat than when they ate unprocessed meals. This occurred whether they ate normal or excess calories. Their cholesterol and blood pressure also shifted in unhealthy directions.</p>



<p>Jessica Preston conducted the study while pursuing a PhD at the University of Copenhagen's NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research (<a href="https://cbmr.ku.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CBMR</a>).</p>



<p>“Our results prove that ultra-processed foods harm our reproductive and metabolic health, even if they’re not eaten in excess," said Preston. "This indicates that it is the processed nature of these foods that makes them harmful.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-processed-foods-and-health-effects">Processed foods and health effects</h2>



<p>The ultra-processed diet didn’t just add fat. It threw hormones off balance. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/testosterone-does-not-have-an-influence-on-success/">Testosterone</a> dipped, follicle-stimulating hormone fell, and sperm motility showed signs of decline. These changes hit key systems that regulate fertility.</p>



<p>Other hormones shifted too. Growth/differentiation factor 15, linked to metabolism, went down. Leptin, which signals satiety, went up. These shifts hint that processed diets alter how the body regulates weight, even when people don’t overeat. </p>



<p>Over time, such disruptions can weaken reproductive capacity, confuse hunger cues, and increase fat storage. Together, these hormonal changes paint a picture of how processed diets slowly rewire core biological systems, raising the risk of long-term metabolic and reproductive health problems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-pollutants-in-foods">Hidden pollutants in foods</h2>



<p>The men’s blood also carried more pollutants after the processed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-lets-you-check-how-processed-your-food-is-grocerydb/">diet</a>. Levels of phthalates, chemicals from plastic packaging, went up. These are known to interfere with hormones. At the same time, lithium, a trace element that influences mood, dropped.</p>



<p>Researchers also saw changes in other industrial compounds, including perfluorinated chemicals. Some of these were connected to altered thyroid hormones and cholesterol. The food wasn’t just calories - it was a chemical delivery system. </p>



<p>With every bite, participants ingested substances their bodies never needed, silently building up in blood and tissues. Such exposures may explain why processed diets link not only to obesity, but also to fertility problems, mood changes, and chronic disease risk over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-rise-of-inflammation">Unexpected rise of inflammation</h2>



<p>Switching to an unprocessed diet improved many health markers, but it also caused a brief rise in inflammation. Scientists think this may have occurred because participants were used to eating large amounts of processed food, and the sudden switch shocked their systems.</p>



<p>Mental health effects also appeared. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/single-psilocybin-dose-helps-cancer-patients-beat-depression/">Depression</a> scores edged upward for some men on the ultra-processed diet, though anxiety and stress stayed about the same.</p>



<p>Romain Barrès is a professor at the University of Copenhagen’s NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research and the <a href="https://univ-cotedazur.eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Université Côte d’Azur</a>.</p>



<p>“We were shocked by how many body functions were disrupted by ultra-processed foods, even in healthy young men," he said. "The long-term implications are alarming and highlight the need to revise nutritional guidelines to better protect against chronic disease.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-processed-food-harms-health">Processed food harms health</h2>



<p>The study makes it clear that the problem with ultra-processed foods isn’t just overeating. Even when people consume the same number of calories as an unprocessed diet, their bodies respond differently. </p>



<p>Hormones that regulate fertility and metabolism become unbalanced, pollutants from packaging and additives accumulate, sperm quality declines, and fat mass increases. These changes happen regardless of whether someone is eating in moderation or in excess, showing that processing itself drives the harm.</p>



<p>Ultra-processed foods are hard to avoid. They show up as packaged snacks, instant noodles, sweetened breakfast cereals, frozen meals, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/processed-meat-can-cause-health-issues-even-in-tiny-amounts/">processed meats</a>. </p>



<p>They dominate many diets because they are cheap, tasty, and convenient. But the evidence now reveals that their risks go far beyond the idea of “junk calories.”</p>



<p>Ultra-processed foods alter body chemistry, weaken reproductive health, and quietly push the body toward chronic disease. This makes the shift to less-processed foods more than just a lifestyle choice - it is a step toward long-term health protection.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550413125003602?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Metabolism</a>.</em></p>



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Ultra-processed foods disrupt a shocking number of body functions

In the last 50 years, our eating habits have dramatically...

<p>Picture an auto factory humming with energy. A robot rapidly assembles car doors while a human checks each one for quality. Their partnership looks seamless - with machines handling speed and strength, and people applying judgment and dexterity.</p>



<p>These scenes symbolize the growing integration of humans and robots across industries. But as the collaboration deepens, so do the risks. </p>



<p>Human error, unpredictability, and miscommunication can create moments robots are not prepared to handle - moments can have serious consequences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teaching-robots-safe-choices">Teaching robots safe choices</h2>



<p>Researchers are now tackling this challenge. At <a href="https://www.colorado.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CU Boulder</a>, Professor Morteza Lahijanian and his team are building processes that help robots make safe yet effective decisions around people.</p>



<p>In a new study, Lahijanian and graduate students Karan Muvvala and Qi Heng Ho have introduced algorithms that allow robots to manage risk while completing tasks.</p>



<p>“How do we go from very structured environments where there is no <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aquatic-robot-inspired-by-flatworms-can-swim-in-harmony-with-nature/">human</a>, where the robots are doing everything by themselves, to unstructured environments where there are a lot of uncertainties and other agents?” Lahijanian asked.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robots-predict-human-actions">Robots predict human actions</h2>



<p>Robots, like humans, rely on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-brain-has-a-simulator-that-imagines-scenarios-while-planning/">mental models</a> to make decisions. When working with a person, a robot predicts possible actions and adjusts accordingly.</p>



<p>“If you’re a robot, you have to be able to interact with others," said Lahijanian. "You have to put yourself out there and take a risk and see what happens. But how do you make that decision, and how much risk do you want to tolerate?”  </p>



<p>The team drew inspiration from game theory, a mathematical framework originally from economics. In robotics, game theory treats each robot as a player in a game. Winning means completing a task, but with humans involved, the game gets unpredictable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-algorithms-minimize-future-regret">Algorithms minimize future regret</h2>



<p>Instead of ensuring robots always win, the researchers proposed “admissible strategies.” With this approach, a robot aims to finish its job while minimizing harm. Safety remains the top priority.</p>



<p>“In choosing a strategy, you don't want the robot to seem very adversarial,” Lahijanian said. “In order to give that softness to the robot, we look at the notion of regret. </p>



<p>"Is the robot going to regret its action in the future? And in optimizing for the best action at the moment, you try to take an action that you won't regret.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robots-adapting-to-humans">Robots adapting to humans</h2>



<p>Back at the auto factory, imagine the human making repeated mistakes. Using the new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/household-robots-now-with-added-common-sense-and-ability-to-self-correct/">algorithms</a>, the robot might fix those errors safely. If that fails, it could relocate the task to a safer space, protecting both the product and the worker.</p>



<p>Much like a chess master predicting several moves ahead, robots can anticipate human choices. Perfect prediction is impossible, but proactive strategies prioritize safety.</p>



<p>“If you want to have collaboration between a human and a robot, the robot has to adjust itself to the human. We don't want humans to adjust themselves to the robot,” Lahijanian said.</p>



<p>This flexibility allows robots to work with novices and experts alike. Regardless of the human partner’s skill level, the robot must respond safely and intelligently.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-the-factory-floor">Beyond the factory floor</h2>



<p>The auto factory is only one example. Hospitals could also benefit. Imagine a nurse and a robot sharing patient care tasks. </p>



<p>The robot might deliver medications or carry equipment, leaving the nurse free to focus on judgment-driven decisions. If errors occur, the robot could adjust without creating new risks.</p>



<p>Construction is another field where collaboration could shine. Robots could take on heavy lifting while humans manage fine-detail tasks like alignment or inspection. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-deciphers-plant-dna-a-breakthrough-that-will-transform-agriculture/">Agriculture</a> also stands to gain. </p>



<p>Machines could harvest crops at scale while farmers concentrate on resource management and sustainable practices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robots-ease-labor-shortages">Robots ease labor shortages</h2>



<p>When robots work safely with humans, they can provide clear benefits. Industries facing labor shortages, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-glimpse-of-the-future-robots-in-nursing-homes/">elder care</a>, could see relief. Physically demanding jobs might also become safer for human workers.</p>



<p>Lahijanian emphasized that robots are not meant to replace human talent but to expand it.</p>



<p>"Human-robot collaboration is about combining complementary strengths: humans contribute intelligence, judgment, and flexibility, while robots offer precision, strength, and reliability," he said. "Together, they can achieve more than either could alone, safely and efficiently."</p>



<p>The research was presented at the International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence in August 2025.</p>



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Robots are using game theory to keep humans safe

Picture an auto factory humming with energy. A robot rapidly...

<p>High Mountain Asia, often called the “Third Pole,” holds the largest store of ice outside the Arctic and Antarctic. Its glaciers have shaped landscapes, nourished rivers, and sustained communities for thousands of years. But today, these frozen giants are shrinking at a troubling pace. </p>



<p>Scientists have long agreed that warming temperatures drive the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-the-worlds-glaciers-can-be-saved-with-strong-climate-action/">retreat</a>, yet new evidence reveals another culprit: shifting rainfall and snowfall patterns, especially those tied to the South Asian monsoon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glaciers-losing-ice-faster">Glaciers losing ice faster</h2>



<p>The numbers are staggering. Glaciers across the region are losing more than 22 gigatons of ice each year, equivalent to nearly nine million Olympic swimming pools. </p>



<p>While rising temperatures explain much of the retreat, researchers from the <a href="https://www.utah.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utah</a> and <a href="https://www.vt.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> show that the timing and type of precipitation now play a major role. Rain falling instead of snow fuels melt, and shorter or weaker monsoon seasons reduce the ice that glaciers can accumulate.</p>



<p>“These findings highlight that glaciers dominated by the South Asian monsoons, such as the Central Himalaya, Western Himalaya and Eastern Himalaya, are especially vulnerable,” said Sonam Sherpa, assistant professor at the University of Utah and lead author of the study. </p>



<p>“If the timing and intensity of the monsoon continues to alter, it could accelerate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glaciers-from-the-rockies-to-the-alps-are-melting-much-faster-than-expected/">ice</a> loss and threaten water availability for millions downstream.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-billions-rely-on-glacier-water">Billions rely on glacier water</h2>



<p>The glaciers of High Mountain Asia supply freshwater to more than 1.4 billion people. These rivers sustain agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water across South and Central Asia. </p>



<p>As glaciers retreat more rapidly, rivers will depend less on glacial melt and increasingly on rainfall as their main source of water.</p>



<p>“Looking ahead, a faster retreat of mountain glaciers will shift the main source of river flow from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glaciers-are-melting-from-hidden-underwater-waves/">glacier</a> melt to rainfall, thereby heightening the risk of droughts in downstream regions for future generations,” said Susanna Werth, assistant professor at Virginia Tech and co-author of the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monsoon-impacts-on-glaciers">Monsoon impacts on glaciers</h2>



<p>To understand these shifts, the researchers used satellite gravimetry from NASA’s GRACE and GRACE-FO missions. These satellites can “weigh” changes in water storage, including ice, by measuring gravity variations.</p>



<p>Scientists corrected the data to account for groundwater use, soil moisture, surface water, and snow. They paired this with climate reanalysis models, dividing the year into four phases: winter, premonsoon, monsoon, and postmonsoon. </p>



<p>By analyzing rainfall and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glacier-melting-threatens-global-water-supplies-and-coastal-communities/">snowfall</a> separately, they revealed how timing and precipitation type affect glacier mass.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monsoon-timing-speeds-ice-loss">Monsoon timing speeds ice loss</h2>



<p>The experts found that glaciers respond more strongly to seasonal precipitation than to annual totals. </p>



<p>Cycles repeating every 3 to 4.5 years and 5 to 8 years match the natural rhythm of South Asian monsoons. In the Central Himalaya, glacier loss was tied to reduced premonsoon rainfall.</p>



<p>In the Eastern Himalaya, declining postmonsoon snowfall accelerated retreat. In the Western Himalaya, increased summer rain caused rain-on-ice events that sped melting. These details show that the seasonality of rain and snow is as important as overall precipitation amounts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacier-loss-differs-by-region">Glacier loss differs by region</h2>



<p>Different climate systems influence each subregion. Monsoon-fed glaciers in the Central and Eastern Himalaya show the highest rates of ice loss.</p>



<p>Glaciers dominated by the Westerlies, such as those in the Pamir–Hindu Kush and Karakoram, show slower declines or in some cases slight gains.</p>



<p>The Tien Shan, influenced by Siberian systems and western cyclones, also shows significant losses. These contrasts highlight how winds and precipitation phase shifts shape glacier health differently across the mountains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hazards-on-the-rise">Hazards on the rise</h2>



<p>Rapid melting brings hazards that are both immediate and long-term. Glacial lake outburst floods are becoming more common as ice retreats, creating unstable lakes held back by fragile moraine walls. Landslides and river floods often follow, putting downstream communities at risk.</p>



<p>“This risk is not only about long-term water shortages but also about immediate threats to lives and infrastructure,” said Sherpa.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacier-loss-under-stronger-monsoons">Glacier loss under stronger monsoons</h2>



<p>Climate projections suggest stronger and more intense monsoons in the coming decades, with possible changes in their timing. </p>



<p>By 2100, ice loss in monsoon-dominated basins could reach 38–58 percent, depending on future emissions.</p>



<p>Such a shift would profoundly affect river flows, agriculture, and disaster risks. The study emphasizes that improved monitoring networks are urgently needed to capture rain, snow, and temperature changes across high-altitude regions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-communities-downstream">Protecting communities downstream </h2>



<p>High Mountain Asia’s glaciers are retreating under the combined weight of heat and shifting monsoons. Seasonal timing and the balance of rain versus snow now shape their fate more than annual totals. </p>



<p>Protecting communities downstream will require better observation and planning that accounts for these seasonal fingerprints. </p>



<p>The research makes clear that what happens in these mountains will ripple far beyond their valleys, potentially impacting the lives of more than a billion people.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11107312/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing</em></a>. </p>



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Shrinking glaciers in the Himalayas are not just threatened by heat

High Mountain Asia, often called the “Third Pole,” holds the...

<p>More electric vehicles change city air in ways that are easy to miss. A new analysis comparing London, Milan, and Barcelona reports that battery electric cars cut brake dust by about 83 percent thanks to regenerative braking, while eliminating tailpipe emissions altogether.</p>



<p>That is only half the story. Electric cars also tend to be heavier, so they can increase tiny particles from tires even as brake dust decreases.</p>



<p>Benedetto Giechaskiel, PhD, European Commission Joint Research Centre (<a href="https://commission.europa.eu/about/departments-and-executive-agencies/joint-research-centre_en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JRC</a>), has led peer-reviewed work on how pads, discs, filters, and regenerative braking shape these non-exhaust particles. His measurements help translate lab findings into what commuters actually breathe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-new-study-found">What the new study found</h2>



<p>As tailpipes clean up, non-exhaust <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cutting-emissions-could-save-250000-lives-a-year-in-europe/">emissions</a> from brakes, tires, and road wear now make up a larger slice of urban particulate pollution, especially where traffic stops and starts. </p>



<p>A major OECD report details how braking patterns, vehicle weight, and road surfaces push these particles into the air and onto streets.</p>



<p>The London case stands out because frequent junctions and lights magnify braking, and that is where regenerative systems shine. </p>



<p>Electric vehicle drivetrains recover speed as electricity, so the friction brakes work less, slashing the dust that otherwise becomes airborne near crosswalks and bus stops.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brake-dust-is-different-from-tire-wear">Brake dust is different from tire wear</h2>



<p>Brake dust tends to produce more airborne fine particles at the curb, which is what people inhale. </p>



<p>By contrast, only a small fraction of tire wear becomes airborne PM10, with one comprehensive review estimating about one percent. Most tire fragments settle on roadsides or wash into drains.</p>



<p>That difference matters for exposure during rush hour. Fewer friction brake events in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dirty-power-the-hidden-climate-cost-of-electric-vehicles/">electric cars</a> therefore mean fewer of the particles most likely to get into lungs, even though heavier curb weights still nudge tire wear upward.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-public-health-researchers-care">Why public health researchers care</h2>



<p>“Clean air is fundamental to health,” wrote the AQI guideline authors for the World Health Organization in 2021. </p>



<p>Particulate matter is not one thing but a mix of sizes and chemistries, and the smallest particles, PM2.5, are most closely tied to asthma attacks, heart strain, and early death. </p>



<p>Brake dust also carries metals like copper and iron, while tires add rubbery microplastics and sulfur-bearing compounds. Scientists are mapping how these ingredients behave once they settle into soil and water, and how much re-enters the air as traffic stirs the surface.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-regenerative-braking-changes-the-math">How regenerative braking changes the math</h2>



<p>Regenerative braking is simple in concept. When a driver lifts off the accelerator, the motor runs as a generator, slowing the car without pushing pads onto discs and sending a surge of electricity back to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-created-carbon-14-battery-that-lasts-5700-years-without-a-recharge/">battery</a>.</p>



<p>That shift away from friction braking is why electric vehicle fleets can show sharp declines in brake emissions on busy city streets. </p>



<p>It also explains why data from multiple cities point in the same direction even though vehicle mixes and speeds differ.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rules-are-catching-up">Rules are catching up</h2>



<p>For the first time, the European Union’s limits regulate brake particle emissions, beginning with light duty vehicles type approved from late 2026, with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tire-particles-flood-freshwater-with-toxic-microplastics/">tire wear</a> requirements to follow for passenger car tires from 2028 and later for other classes. </p>



<p>That step will not fix legacy fleets overnight, but it sets a clear target for manufacturers and city agencies planning low emission zones.</p>



<p>“The electrification of vehicles can reduce the emissions by 60 to 80 percent due to regenerative braking,” said Benedetto Giechaskiel, European Commission Joint Research Centre. Peer-reviewed findings back up the engineering logic on the road. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-for-city-air">What this means for city air</h2>



<p>More electric vehicles mean fewer fumes at street level and far less dust from brakes where people walk, wait, and bike. </p>



<p>Tires still shed material, but only a small slice becomes fine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-is-an-understudied-contributor-to-climate-change/">airborne dust</a>, and smarter street cleaning and runoff treatment can keep more of the heavier debris out of the air.</p>



<p>That adds up to practical choices for agencies and drivers. Smoother traffic flow, modest speed limits, and gentler driving styles trim brake and tire wear for every vehicle, while electrification removes tailpipe pollution and curbs the worst non-exhaust particles where they most affect health.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.eiturbanmobility.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/41-EIT-Emissions-Report-5a-Digital-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Atmosphere</em></a>.</p>



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This is what happens to the air in cities with more electric vehicles on the roads

More electric vehicles change city air in ways that are...

<p>Every day, huge amounts of food go straight into the trash. Governments try new policies, supermarkets run campaigns, and restaurants push subtle nudges. Yet, waste piles up. Families still throw away edible meals while millions go hungry.</p>



<p>Researchers at the University of Portsmouth decided to ask a simple question: Do quick reminders like “save” or “reuse” actually change anything? Their answer points in a very different direction. Instead of being swayed by short messages, people’s long-term habits mattered most.</p>



<p>Those who already valued frugality wasted less food, while others hardly changed. The study shows lasting behavior change needs deeper roots.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frugal-cues-shaped-food-choices">Frugal cues shaped food choices</h2>



<p>Priming works by slipping subtle hints into people’s surroundings, shaping their decisions without much thought. A word like “reuse” on a menu or an image of a savings box can act as a signal. To test this, researchers worked with 95 participants.</p>



<p>Some received frugal prompts, while others saw materialistic ones. Then came the task: deciding whether to keep or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-waste-has-a-surprising-impact-on-climate-change/">discard food</a> items at different stages of freshness. </p>



<p>The aim was to see if quick cues could change behavior in the moment. Would frugal prompts encourage saving food, or would deeper, long-term habits prove more influential in avoiding waste?</p>



<p>The results leaned heavily toward habits. People who already had a frugal outlook tended to waste less, regardless of the cues. In contrast, those with weaker frugal tendencies were more easily swayed, especially by materialistic signals that emphasized abundance and consumption. </p>



<p>This suggested that prompts alone were not enough. Without strong values in place, cues could even push some people toward more waste. For real impact, the study showed, consistent habits and ingrained mindsets mattered far more than momentary signals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-psychology-of-prompts">The psychology of prompts</h2>



<p>The results were striking. People with strong frugal habits <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-food-waste-greater-food-security-less-environmental-benefits/">wasted less food</a>, no matter the prompts. Those habits had more influence than any word or image.</p>



<p>Materialistic cues did push less frugal people to waste more. But participants who already lived frugally resisted the pull. Their everyday mindset acted like a shield. </p>



<p>This shows that strong values can override outside influences. When frugality becomes second nature, people stay consistent even when surrounded by messages promoting excess and consumption.</p>



<p>“Our findings suggest that quick nudges and priming cues are not enough to shift food waste behavior,” said Steven Iorfa, lead author and Ph.D. student at the <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a>. “It’s people’s ingrained, everyday frugal habits that make the real difference.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-waste-fuels-global-crisis">Food waste fuels global crisis</h2>



<p>Food waste is more than an inconvenience, it’s a crisis. One-third of all food produced never gets eaten, even while billions of people struggle with<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-has-a-meal-memory-that-controls-hunger/"> hunger</a>. In 2023, more than 2.3 billion people faced food insecurity, and that number could rise as the population grows.</p>



<p>By 2050, nearly 10 billion people will need food, yet our current system already wastes too much. Reducing waste is not just about saving money or cleaning plates, it’s about survival. </p>



<p>Every meal saved means fewer resources wasted, less pressure on the environment, and more food reaching those who truly need it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smart-shopping-reduces-waste">Smart shopping reduces waste</h2>



<p>The findings suggest that posters, slogans, or quick nudges are not enough. What works is building frugality into daily life. People who plan meals, reuse ingredients, and avoid unnecessary purchases already save more food without thinking about it.</p>



<p>Researchers point to education and community programs as better paths. Teaching young people to cook with leftovers, showing families how to budget, and framing frugal shopping as “smart shopping” could help. </p>



<p>Schools could include lessons on food planning, while local initiatives might run workshops that connect frugality with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-food-systems-are-gaining-momentum/">sustainability</a> and community well-being.</p>



<p>“Frugality is more than a budgeting tactic,” said Iorfa. “It’s a mindset that encourages people to see waste as inconsistent with their values. If we want lasting change, we need to promote frugality as a social norm, not just rely on one-off prompts.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frugality-ensures-future-food">Frugality ensures future food</h2>



<p>Cutting food waste requires more than quick reminders or catchy slogans. Lasting change depends on habits that shape daily choices. </p>



<p>When people build routines like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ai-artificial-intelligence-changing-health-diet-fitness-exercise-approach/">meal planning</a>, reusing leftovers, and shopping mindfully, waste naturally decreases. Societies that value resourcefulness over abundance create environments where these habits thrive.</p>



<p>By shifting focus from one-time campaigns to long-term cultural norms, communities can resist wasteful influences and encourage mindful consumption. </p>



<p>This shift is not only about saving money but also about protecting resources and ensuring food security for billions. True progress comes from making frugality a shared, everyday practice across generations.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950329325002319?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food Quality and Preference</a>.</em></p>



<p>-----</p>



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Key to cutting food waste is in our daily routines

Every day, huge amounts of food go straight into the...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the opposite.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-contrasting-climate-response">A contrasting climate response</h2>



<p>Most coastal towns are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-land-will-intensify-the-effects-of-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preparing for higher sea levels</a>, but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-no-longer-has-to-worry-about-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland presents</a> a different scenario during climate change. The ground there is rising at a remarkable rate. Over the past decade, some areas have lifted about 20 centimeters, which translates to roughly 2 meters per century. This rate significantly exceeds current projections for sea level rise.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geological-rebound-process-through-climate-change">Geological rebound process through climate change</h2>



<p>The mechanism behind this phenomenon is straightforward. As the ice sheet melts, the immense weight is removed from the bedrock, causing the land to rebound upward. This process resembles the way compressed material springs back when pressure is released.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-monitoring-networks">Scientific monitoring networks</h2>



<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Denmark</a> are documenting this uplift using the GNET network, consisting of 61 GPS stations positioned around Greenland's coast. These sensors can detect movement with millimeter precision, providing detailed measurements of the ongoing changes.</p>



<p>The data reveal that current uplift rates exceed the gradual rebound occurring since the last ice age ended approximately 12,000 years ago. This acceleration corresponds directly with increased ice sheet melting rates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coastal-transformation">Coastal Transformation</h2>



<p>This uplift is actively reshaping Greenland's coastline. New islands and rocky formations, called "skerries," are emerging as previously submerged land surfaces rise above the water level. This represents a notable contrast to global concerns about rising seas.</p>



<p>The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, demonstrates the varied regional impacts of climate change. While many locations face rising water levels, Greenland's bedrock is literally rising above the surrounding seas.</p>



<p>The full study was recently published in <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2023GL104851" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a></em>.</p>



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to implement the latest AI Agent building platform.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-agent-training-transforms-the-workplace-fear-factor-into-a-competitive-advantage">AI agent training transforms the workplace 'fear factor' into a competitive advantage</h2>



<p>Organizations that offer comprehensive artificial intelligence training to their workers find remarkable value that extends well beyond basic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mind-wandering-might-be-more-productive-than-you-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">productivity improvements</a>. Emerging research demonstrates that carefully crafted AI training programs <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-does-not-replace-human-creativity-but-enhances-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enhance</a> corporate performance, lower operational costs, and dramatically improve employee psychological well-being by turning workplace uncertainty into professional empowerment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-widespread-ai-anxiety-crisis-among-us">Addressing the widespread 'AI anxiety' crisis among us</h2>



<p>A staggering 53% of employees expressed concern that the use of AI tools to automate work tasks could make them appear disposable to their employers, according to <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft</a>'s 2024 workplace survey. Such pervasive worry about being substituted by machines has caused what researchers have termed "AI technostress" – a psychological state that can result in occupational burnout and poorer mental well-being.</p>



<p>Data published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a> showed that belief in AI learning ability was a moderator in the link between technology adoption and work pressure, and higher confidence significantly lowered negative psychological responses. Workers provided ample training to become competent with AI software have significantly lower stress.</p>



<p>Companies like <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a> have platforms for building what are known as "AI Agents".  In essence, AI Agents are simply tools that employees can build for themselves or their teams quickly and inexpensively.   MindStudio will even train entire companies, from the CEO on down, at no cost. By letting MindStudio empower employees, companies avoid hiring more IT staff, buying more software, and implementing solutions to problems that do not exist.</p>



<p>MindStudio even has partners locally for companies, like <a href="http://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dominnus</a> with offices in the Carolinas, California, and Denver, to help build AI Agents and support employees as they become resident AI experts for their organization.  The training provided by MindStudio is applicable across other AI Agent building platforms as well.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-productivity-through-focused-learning">Revolutionary productivity through focused learning</h2>



<p>Organizations that implement large-scale AI training programs achieve dramatic outcomes. Employees performed tasks significantly better when they utilized AI support compared to when they didn't, according to <a href="https://www.nngroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nielsen Norman Group</a> research findings. Their study documented productivity increases of 66% for a variety of professional tasks.</p>



<p>Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis research finds workers record 33% higher productivity in time working with generative AI tools. The benefit is equivalent to 5.4% of work time savings for AI users – around 2.2 hours per week for full-time workers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-well-being-benefits-through-ai-competence">Psychological well-being benefits through AI competence</h2>



<p>The emotional transformation when employees are provided with proper technology training is a fundamental transformation from fear to professional confidence. A survey of 600 employees across industries, carried out by ScienceDirect, proved that AI capabilities strengthen work environment commitment and improve job satisfaction.</p>



<p>A <a href="https://www.lut.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LUT University</a> study discovered that AI adoption has no direct effect on workers' well-being but does so indirectly through working conditions like task optimization and safety protocols. Strategically deployed AI that involves correct training can actually increase workplace mental well-being.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-replacement-anxiety-to-partnership-confidence">From 'replacement anxiety' to 'partnership confidence'</h2>



<p>Although 35% of those interviewed in recent McKinsey studies were concerned about workforce displacement, firms with large-scale training initiatives witness such fears dissipate quickly. The World Economic Forum found that two out of three respondents believe AI competencies will enhance their career prospects and job marketability.</p>



<p>This shift from fear to trust has measurable implications for job satisfaction. Applied Sciences research indicates AI can create tailored wellness programs based on individual employee requirements.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-financial-benefits-of-increased-retention">Financial benefits of increased retention</h2>



<p>The mental health advantages of AI learning have a direct impact on organizational bottom lines in the form of a positive feedback cycle with high retention of employees. Recent ROI research validates that artificial intelligence learning has a beneficial impact on employee turnover and satisfaction levels.</p>



<p>PriceWaterhouseCoopers' research documents 20% to 30% improvements in productivity, market speed, and revenue in organizations that attempt systematic AI adoption through comprehensive training.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-advantages-of-ai-enabled-teams">Environmental advantages of AI-enabled teams</h2>



<p>AI training has unforeseen environmental benefits as it makes the work environment more efficient. According to a study in Scientific Reports, the carbon footprint in writing and illustrating work is significantly lower when AI performs it compared to humans. AI software produces 130 to 1,500 times less CO2 equivalent per page of text created than human authors.</p>



<p>In addition, AI-driven remote work functionality significantly reduces environmental impact. Research by Cornell University and Microsoft indicates that remote workers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 54% by not commuting daily to offices. Hybrid workers working remotely two to four days a week can reduce their carbon footprint by 11% to 29%.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cumulative-organizational-advantages">Cumulative organizational advantages</h2>



<p>The compounding gains of better mental well-being, reduced turnover, increased productivity, and environmental benefits flow to enterprises from the pairing. McKinsey analysis estimates the long-term AI potential at $4.4 trillion in incremental productivity growth opportunity from business use cases.</p>



<p>As of now, 75% of knowledge workers globally utilize generative AI, mirroring widespread adoption patterns. Organizations that provide organized training and assistance see the most favorable results in productivity, worker satisfaction, and ecological sustainability.</p>



<p>The research overwhelmingly indicates that companies that invest in proper AI education, like that offered through <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a>, establish win-win scenarios where employees are both more empowered and less stressed, and companies enjoy the gains of increased productivity, reduced turnover, and improved mental health outcomes throughout their workforce.</p>



<p>For more on MindStudio's free AI training for companies, visit the website's of MindStudio and Dominnus from the links below.</p>



<p>The research was published across a variety of peer-reviewed journals, including <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a>, <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence</a>, and <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci">Applied Sciences</a>.</p>



<p id="block-9bd989d6-2fd3-4580-957f-6cacce134f08">-----</p>



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<p id="block-1f9a227a-ec37-4140-81b8-ffa4a7cc6689">-----</p>



<p>MindStudio.AI: <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.mindstudio.ai</a></p>



<p>Dominnus: <a href="https://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.dominnus.com</a></p>

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-natural-solution-to-disease-through-crop-modification">A natural solution to disease through crop modification.</h2>



<p>The agricultural industry stands at a crossroads between productivity and environmental responsibility, and crop modification often carries a negative connotation. While chemical pesticides have long been the go-to solution for crop protection, their harmful effects on ecosystems and human health have prompted scientists to seek alternatives. The recent breakthrough by <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a> researchers offers a promising path forward through the precise manipulation of plant-associated microbial communities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-behind-microbial-partnerships">The science behind microbial partnerships</h2>



<p>Plants naturally harbor diverse ecosystems of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that function as biological allies. These microscopic partners contribute to disease resistance, nutrient absorption, and stress tolerance. However, until now, scientists lacked the tools to deliberately reshape these communities to enhance crop protection.</p>



<p>The Southampton team's approach centered on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-plant-microbiomes-the-future-of-crop-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modifying lignin biosynthesis genes in rice plants</a>. This strategic intervention altered the plant's metabolic output, creating conditions that favored beneficial bacterial populations while suppressing harmful ones. The result was a living defense system embedded within the plant itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-global-food-security">Implications for global food security</h2>



<p>The successful demonstration against Xanthomonas oryzae, the pathogen responsible for bacterial blight in rice, represents more than a laboratory achievement. Rice feeds nearly half the world's population, and bacterial blight causes devastating crop losses annually. Traditional control methods rely heavily on pesticides that contaminate soil and water systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-disease-resistance">Looking Beyond Disease Resistance</h2>



<p>While disease protection represents the immediate application, the research framework opens doors to broader agricultural improvements. Future developments could engineer microbiomes to enhance nutrient uptake, reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. This dual benefit addresses both crop productivity and environmental sustainability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward">The path forward</h2>



<p>As this technology advances from laboratory to field applications, it promises to reshape sustainable agriculture. The ability to program plants with their own biological defense systems could herald a new era where crops protect themselves naturally, reducing chemical inputs while maintaining yields necessary for global food security.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44335-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4 Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease A natural...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVywlgRJXsc
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Some children read facial expressions when making food choices.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-people-s-reactions-influence-children-s-eating-habits">Other people's reactions influence children's eating habits</h2>



<p>Many children are finicky eaters, but research explains how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-learned-why-so-many-kids-dislike-vegetables/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watching others eat and social modeling</a> influence the eating habits of children.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Study Methodology Demonstrates Social Learning Impact</h2>



<p>Researchers at <a href="https://www.aston.ac.uk/hls/school-of-psychology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston University School of Psychology</a> have published findings in Frontiers in Psychology that illuminate the neurobiological foundations of food preference development through observational learning. The investigation employed controlled video stimuli featuring adults consuming raw broccoli while displaying systematically varied facial expressions to measure participant responses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Asymmetrical Response Patterns Identified</h2>



<p>The research, conducted with 204 female participants, revealed a pronounced asymmetry in social modeling effects. Negative facial expressions during vegetable consumption significantly diminished observer food preference ratings, while positive expressions failed to produce corresponding increases in vegetable appeal. This finding challenges conventional assumptions about the bidirectional nature of social influence in dietary behavior formation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Evolutionary Psychology Framework Applied</h2>



<p>Dr. Katie Edwards and her research team propose that these results reflect adaptive mechanisms developed through evolutionary processes. The heightened sensitivity to disgust expressions likely functions as a protective system, enabling individuals to identify potentially harmful foods through social cues without direct risk exposure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Clinical and Educational Implications</h2>



<p>These findings carry substantial implications for pediatric nutrition interventions and family meal dynamics. The research suggests that parental expressions of distaste during vegetable consumption may inadvertently reinforce children's existing food aversions through unconscious social transmission pathways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Future Research Directions</h2>



<p>The study establishes a foundation for expanded investigation into real-time social modeling effects and cross-demographic applicability. Researchers emphasize the necessity for longitudinal studies examining actual consumption behaviors rather than preference ratings alone, particularly within family contexts where social learning occurs most frequently.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVywlgRJXsc Some children read facial expressions when making food choices....

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JynHpMaNO8A
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chaotic cancer protein finally controlled after decades of mystery</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-causing-protein-bound-and-blocked">Cancer-causing protein bound and blocked</h2>



<p>In a discovery that can one day revolutionize cancer treatment, researchers at the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Riverside</a> have successfully developed a means of controlling MYC, a notoriously slippery protein that causes approximately <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chaotic-protein-that-fuels-75-of-cancers-can-be-controlled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">75% of all cancers in humans</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-myc-different">What makes MYC different</h2>



<p>MYC presents a unique challenge when studying cancer. Normally, this protein plays a vital role in healthy cells. It carefully controls transcription - the process that converts genetic information from DNA and RNA into proteins.</p>



<p>However, cancer changes everything. In cancer cells, MYC becomes a destructive force. It operates in overdrive mode with no regulation whatsoever.</p>



<p>Professor Min Xue, who led the research team, explains it simply: "MYC is less like food for cancer cells and more like a steroid. It drives cancer's aggressive growth." This superactive behavior makes MYC involved in three out of every four cancer cases.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-myc-is-hard-to-target">Why MYC is hard to target</h2>



<p>Despite its clear role in cancer, targeting MYC has been one of medicine's biggest challenges. The main problem lies in MYC's unusual structure - or rather, its complete lack of structure.</p>



<p>Professor Xue describes the protein as "basically a glob of randomness." This means conventional drug discovery methods don't work. These traditional approaches rely on sharply defined protein structures. MYC simply doesn't have one.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A New Approach to Fighting MYC</h2>



<p>The UCR research team developed a clever solution. They designed a special peptide molecule that could selectively bind to MYC. More importantly, this peptide could block MYC's destructive activity.</p>



<p>The key was fine-tuning two specific features: the peptide's stiffness and its shape. Through careful adjustments, researchers achieved something remarkable. They reached "sub-micro-molar affinity" - meaning their peptide binds as strongly as antibodies do.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-results">Breakthrough results</h2>



<p>This accomplishment represents a major leap beyond previous attempts. The researchers enhanced their peptide's binding strength by two orders of magnitude. This dramatic improvement brings the work significantly closer to practical drug development goals.</p>



<p>The research opens new possibilities for treating the vast majority of cancers where MYC plays a destructive role.</p>



<p>The researchers are presently optimizing peptide-delivery systems based on lipid nanoparticles that deliver the peptide effectively into cancer cells. The<a href="https://www.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> National Institutes of Health</a> and the <a href="https://www.defense.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Department of Defense</a> funded the study, which appeared in the Journal of the <a href="https://www.acs.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Chemical Society</a>.<br>This research offers renewed hope against cancer, and it can potentially open a door to more effective cancer therapies for most cancer patients worldwide.</p>



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The protein that fuels 3 out of 4 cancers has been controlled

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JynHpMaNO8A Chaotic cancer protein finally controlled after decades of mystery...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



<p>On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop and sunlight barely penetrates through the polar winter. It was here, however, that an international team of scientists found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predatory-worms-were-terror-beasts-half-a-billion-years-ago/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence of sea monsters</a> that would change our understanding of ocean life in the past.</p>



<p>This video captures the discovery of Timorebestia fossils that had been hidden for more than 500 million years in the Sirius Passet formation. The "terror beasts," as they are called, are a hidden chapter in the evolutionary history of <a href="https://www.earth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, showing that sophisticated predator-prey interactions occurred much earlier than previously envisioned.</p>



<p>Dr. Jakob Vinther and his research team at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, in collaboration with researchers at the <a href="https://eng.kopri.re.kr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Korean Polar Research Institute</a>, braved extreme weather conditions at 82.5 north latitude to locate these giant creatures. Using sophisticated electron microprobe analysis, they revealed the detailed anatomy of the animals, including their muscle and nerve tissues.</p>



<p>The find upsets the traditional timeline of sea predators.  Although we've long appreciated that Cambrian oceans were at one time ruled by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWI3-UgA3_o&amp;list=PL1QLQMW9MWDwpkFOnvgAmu7wT6rZmYqdJ&amp;index=19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arthropods</a>, these discoveries indicate that relatives of arrow worms were first to dominate the seas.  These worms were building sophisticated food webs several million years before other predator groups arose.</p>



<p>Each fossil is a story of ancient hunger, with fossil stomach contents revealing these meter-long beasts dined on heavily armored arthropods regularly, cementing their place as the ocean's first apex predators.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New York is the site of the world's oldest forest.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-385-million-year-old-trees-discovered">385-million-year-old trees discovered</h2>



<p>Scientists have uncovered something extraordinary just two hours north of New York City. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world's oldest forest</a>, dating back 385 million years, offers a window into how Earth's first complex forests shaped our planet's atmosphere.</p>



<p>Located near <a href="https://townofcairo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cairo, New York</a>, in Greene County, these weren't merely primitive plants struggling to survive. These were sophisticated trees with root systems remarkably similar to modern forests. This ancient woodland predates dinosaurs by 140 million years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cairo-forest-discovery">The Cairo forest discovery</h2>



<p>385 million years ago, upstate New York was a tropical paradise near the equator. Thanks to continental drift, this ancient forest has traveled thousands of miles to its current location.</p>



<p>The fossil forest sits in an abandoned quarry, roughly half the size of a football field. This represents just a slice of what was likely a massive forest system stretching from New York into Pennsylvania.</p>



<p>Charles Ver Straeten, curator of sedimentary rocks at the <a href="https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York State Museum</a>, made the discovery in 2009. While scouting the former highway department property, his trained eye spotted wandering patterns in the stone that looked like marine features.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-age-and-preservation">Revolutionary age and preservation</h2>



<p>The site contains 385-million-year-old rocks with fossilized woody roots forming horizontal patterns up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. As Christopher Berry, a paleobotanist at Cardiff University, explains: "You are walking through the roots of ancient trees."</p>



<p>This discovery pushes back advanced tree evolution by millions of years. The research, published in <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a></em> in December 2019, fundamentally changes our understanding of when complex forests first emerged.</p>



<p>Researchers believe a massive flood buried the forest floor, creating perfect fossilization conditions. Over millions of years, sediment hardened into rock, preserving these root patterns like nature's time capsule.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-archaeopteris-the-first-modern-tree">Meet <em>Archaeopteris</em>: the first modern tree</h2>



<p>The star of this ancient forest is <em>Archaeopteris</em> – not to be confused with the feathered dinosaur <em>Archaeopteryx</em>. This tree was far older and more revolutionary.</p>



<p>William Stein from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> describes the roots as "strikingly modern, essentially what you'd see outside in my yard right now." These weren't simple root systems you'd expect from ancient plants.</p>



<p>Some fossilized roots are six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter, forming 36-foot-wide (11-meter) patterns. These giants grew up to 65 feet (20 meters) tall with five-foot-diameter (1.5-meter) trunks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-changing-impact">Climate-changing impact</h2>



<p>These trees fundamentally changed Earth's environment. Kevin Boyce, a Stanford University geoscientist, explains how their deep roots triggered "weathering," chemical reactions that pulled carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.</p>



<p>This process dropped atmospheric CO2 levels from 10-15 times higher than today to roughly modern concentrations. These ancient trees helped create atmospheric conditions that made complex life possible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-forest-ecosystem">Ancient forest ecosystem</h2>



<p>The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified <em>Eospermatopteris</em>, palm tree-like plants with short roots that reached 30 feet (9 meters) tall but lacked woody structure. The forest also housed cladoxylopsids and a mysterious third species still being studied.</p>



<p>All reproduced through spores rather than seeds – millions of years before seeds evolved. This tropical environment had no grass, flowers, or flying insects, just towering trees creating Earth's first complex forest canopy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-significance">Scientific significance</h2>



<p>Before this finding, the Gilboa forest, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, held the "oldest forest" title. Cairo's trees are 2-3 million years older, showing that complex forest ecosystems developed much faster than scientists believed possible.</p>



<p>Patricia Gensel, a <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina</a> paleobotanist, notes: "The size of those root systems is really changing the picture. Even 20 years ago, researchers assumed trees with such complex root systems didn't evolve so early."</p>



<p>The Cairo site presents three unique root systems, suggesting Devonian period forests were diverse ecosystems with different trees occupying different environmental niches, much like today's forests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-preservation-efforts">Modern preservation efforts</h2>



<p>In 2022, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey secured a $170,000 grant for the town of Cairo to construct specialized fencing around the fossil forest site. The town plans to conduct a feasibility study exploring the possibility of creating an educational center and working lab on-site.</p>



<p>Joe Hasenkopf, chair of the Cairo Planning Board, hopes to partner with educational institutions to create a research facility serving scientists, students, and the public.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-today-s-climate">Lessons for today's climate</h2>



<p>Why does a 385-million-year-old forest matter today? It shows how dramatically forests can change Earth's climate. These ancient woodlands created the atmospheric conditions supporting complex life.</p>



<p>Understanding how prehistoric forests transformed the planet helps us appreciate modern forests' critical role in addressing climate change. Forests remain Earth's most effective carbon capture systems.</p>



<p>These prehistoric trees changed Earth's atmosphere by pulling massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. As we face modern climate challenges, this ancient forest reminds us of trees' incredible power to transform our planet's environment.</p>



<p>The next time you walk through a forest, remember you're experiencing an ecosystem whose blueprint was established 385 million years ago in upstate New York. These ancient pioneers didn't just survive – they thrived and changed the world forever.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em>Current Biology</em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ New York is the site of the world's oldest...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Veg4HmmRVZY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Our bodies hits two 'aging cliffs' at these ages.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientists-map-exact-ages-when-your-body-rapidly-ages">Scientists Map Exact Ages When Your Body Rapidly Ages</h2>



<p>Scientists have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-bodies-begin-breaking-down-two-very-precise-ages/#google_vignette">discovered that aging</a> isn't the gradual, steady process many assume it to be. Instead, researchers from Stanford Medicine have found that our bodies undergo dramatic molecular changes at two specific ages: 44 and 60. This research, published in Nature Aging, reveals that aging happens in sudden bursts rather than smooth transitions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-waves-of-rapid-aging">Two waves of rapid aging</h2>



<p>The Stanford study tracked over 135,000 different molecules and microbes in 108 participants aged 25 to 75 over several years. Results showed that 81% of all molecules studied exhibited non-linear changes, meaning they shifted dramatically at certain ages rather than changing gradually over time.</p>



<p>Michael Snyder, chair of genetics at Stanford School of Medicine and the study's senior author, noted significant findings. "We're not just changing gradually over time; there are some really dramatic changes. It turns out the mid-40s is a time of dramatic change, as is the early 60s. And that's true no matter what class of molecules you look at."</p>



<p>The first wave of changes occurs around age 44, affecting molecules related to alcohol metabolism, caffeine processing, lipid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/age-related-changes-in-metabolism-dont-match-our-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolism</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-remains-the-leading-cause-of-death-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a>, and skin and muscle function. The second wave hits around age 60, involving changes in carbohydrate metabolism, immune regulation, kidney function, and again cardiovascular and muscle health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-during-these-aging-bursts">What happens during these aging bursts</h2>



<p>During the mid-40s transformation, researchers observed significant changes in how the body processes alcohol and fats. This period often coincides with increased stress levels in many people's lives, potentially contributing to lifestyle factors that accelerate these molecular shifts.</p>



<p>"It's possible some of these changes could be tied to lifestyle or behavioral factors that cluster at these age groups, rather than being driven by biological factors," Snyder explained. For instance, alcohol metabolism dysfunction might result from increased consumption during the typically stressful mid-40s period.</p>



<p>The changes at age 60 are perhaps less surprising, as this is when many age-related diseases begin to manifest more prominently. The molecular shifts affect immune function and kidney health, both critical for maintaining overall wellness as we enter our senior years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-latest-research-confirms-aging-patterns">Latest research confirms aging patterns</h2>



<p>Recent 2025 studies have validated these findings. Research examining tissue samples from 76 people found similar aging patterns, noting an "inflection point" between ages 45 and 55.</p>



<p>Scientists discovered that blood vessels, particularly the aorta, age fastest among all body tissues. This vascular aging may drive aging in other body parts, highlighting cardiovascular health's central role in the aging process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cellular-changes-and-microbiome-shifts">Cellular changes and microbiome shifts</h2>



<p>The Stanford research revealed that these aging bursts affect our microbiome – the trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi living in and on our bodies. These microbial communities undergo substantial shifts during both aging periods, potentially affecting everything from digestion to immune function.</p>



<p>Additionally, researchers found that protein production and gene expression begin to fall out of sync as we age. This breakdown in cellular communication becomes especially pronounced during the two aging waves, contributing to the accumulation of damaged proteins associated with diseases such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-may-not-be-brain-disorder-important-data-was-fabricated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-implications-and-longevity-considerations">Health implications and longevity considerations</h2>



<p>Understanding these aging patterns has important implications for healthcare strategies. Research suggests that people should pay particular attention to their health during their 40s and 60s, when these dramatic molecular changes occur.</p>



<p>Snyder emphasized the importance of proactive health measures. "I'm a big believer that we should try to adjust our lifestyles while we're still healthy," he noted. This might include increasing exercise to protect heart health and maintain muscle mass, or reducing alcohol consumption in the 40s as the body's ability to metabolize it declines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-approaches-to-anti-aging-treatment">New approaches to anti-aging treatment</h2>



<p>Aging research has seen notable advances in 2025. Harvard Medical School scientists developed chemical cocktails that reverse cellular aging without genetic modification. These six combinations restored aged cells to youthfulness in under a week, offering safer alternatives to gene therapy.</p>



<p>Researchers identified new biomarkers like "InflammAge," a saliva-based test measuring chronic inflammation associated with aging. This non-invasive approach could change how we monitor aging and intervention.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-directions-in-aging-research">Future directions in aging research</h2>



<p>Emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, cellular reprogramming, and senolytic therapies, are opening new possibilities for extending healthspan. Companies develop treatments targeting aging's fundamental mechanisms rather than just managing age-related diseases.</p>



<p>The Stanford findings provide a roadmap for implementing preventive measures. Rather than waiting for symptoms, people can prepare for and potentially mitigate these predictable aging waves.</p>



<p>As aging understanding evolves, one thing becomes clear: aging isn't inevitable decline, but specific biological events we may learn to prevent or reverse. The key is recognizing when these transitions occur and taking proactive health steps during vulnerable periods.</p>



<p>The study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/nataging" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Aging</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Scientists discover we age in bursts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Veg4HmmRVZY Our bodies hits two 'aging cliffs' at these ages....

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqlF0XKzHY4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The hidden science behind tickling.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientists-discover-the-brain-s-tickling-command-center">Scientists discover the brain's 'tickling command center'</h2>



<p>Researchers have finally solved one of humanity's most enduring mysteries: why we can't <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/after-centuries-of-debate-we-still-dont-know-how-tickling-works/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tickle</a> ourselves and what makes some people incredibly ticklish while others barely react? Recent scientific discoveries are revolutionizing our understanding of this peculiar human behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-discovery-in-the-brain">Breakthrough discovery in the brain</h2>



<p>In 2023, Dr. Michael Brecht's team at <a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humboldt University</a>-<a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berlin</a> made a major discovery published in the <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(22)01991-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal <em>Neuron</em></a>. They identified the brain's actual "tickling command center" – specific neurons in a region called the periaqueductal gray that control both tickling responses and play behavior.</p>



<p>When researchers used cutting-edge optogenetic technology to shut down these neurons in laboratory rats, something remarkable happened. The animals completely lost their ability to be tickled or engage in playful behavior.</p>



<p>"We found that global blockade of the rat periaqueductal gray with either muscimol or lidocaine interfered with ticklishness and play," the research team reported in their study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-types-of-tickling-revealed">Two types of tickling revealed</h2>



<p>What we call "tickling" is two completely different phenomena, according to the latest research. Light tickling – that feathery sensation that makes you want to scratch – is essentially your body's sophisticated bug detection system. This alerts you to potential insects or parasites on your skin.</p>



<p>Deep tickling – the kind that makes you laugh uncontrollably – involves complex brain circuits and is fundamentally social. You literally cannot tickle yourself with this type of stimulation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-self-tickling-is-impossible">Why self-tickling is impossible</h2>



<p>Your cerebellum acts like a prediction machine, recent findings show. When you move your own hand to touch yourself, your brain generates precise predictions about what you will feel and then cancels out the tickling sensation through neural inhibition.</p>



<p>When someone else tickles you, your brain can't predict their movements, so the full tickling response activates. It's like your brain's way of distinguishing between self and others.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-individual-differences-explained">Individual differences explained</h2>



<p>Individual differences in ticklishness depend on genetics, psychology, and even trust. Dr. Xinzhong Dong at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> notes that people with denser nerve endings tend to be more sensitive.</p>



<p>Psychological factors matter just as much. You respond more strongly when tickled by people you trust, and anxiety completely shuts down tickling responses. This explains why the same physical stimulus can produce completely different reactions depending on who's doing the tickling.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-your-ticklishness">Controlling your ticklishness</h2>



<p>Science offers answers for controlling your ticklishness. You can reduce tickling sensitivity through systematic desensitization – gradual exposure in controlled settings.</p>



<p>Dr. Konstantina Kilteni's 2025 research, published in <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adt0350" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>, reveals another technique: place your hand on the tickler's hand. This allows your brain to partially predict the sensations, reducing the tickling response by up to 90 percent.</p>



<p>"Your brain is essentially learning to override its own reflexes," Kilteni explained in her review of tickling research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-purpose-discovered">Evolutionary purpose discovered</h2>



<p>From an evolutionary perspective, tickling serves vital functions according to <a href="https://www.umd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a> researcher Dr. Robert Provine's extensive studies. It trains our defense reflexes for vulnerable body areas and facilitates social bonding between family members.</p>



<p>Tickling-induced laughter is actually one of the first forms of communication between infants and caregivers. "Tickle involves a neurological self/nonself discrimination, providing the most primitive social scenario," Provine noted in his research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clinical-applications-emerge">Clinical applications emerge</h2>



<p>Research shows people with autism spectrum disorder perceive touches as more ticklish than people without the condition. Investigating this difference could provide insight into brain differences and help advance autism research.</p>



<p>People with schizophrenia tend to experience self-touches similarly to external tickles, allowing them to essentially tickle themselves. This suggests altered sensory prediction mechanisms in the condition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-research-reveals-universal-nature">Animal research reveals universal nature</h2>



<p>Scientists have discovered that many species beyond humans are ticklish. Rats emit ultrasonic "laughs" when tickled, while chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans all respond to tickling stimulation.</p>



<p>This widespread occurrence across species suggests that tickling serves fundamental biological and social functions that evolved long before humans developed complex language and culture.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions</h2>



<p>Dr. Kilteni argues that tickling research deserves more scientific attention. "It is a complex interplay of motor, social, neurological, developmental, and evolutionary aspects," she stated in her recent review.</p>



<p>New haptic technologies and advanced research methodologies now permit scientists to investigate tickle sensation with unprecedented precision. Standardized experimental methods using mechanical tickling devices ensure consistent results across studies.</p>



<p>Recent findings published in <em>Science Advances</em> show that tickling research is opening new doors in neuroscience, potentially leading to a better understanding of social behavior, sensory processing, and neurological conditions.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqlF0XKzHY4 The hidden science behind tickling. Scientists discover the brain's...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elr4948_uOU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dr. Ronald Mallett from the University of Connecticut reveals secret mission to create working time travel device.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-could-an-equation-truly-bend-time-a-physicist-s-decades-long-quest-to-rewrite-reality">Could an equation truly bend time? A physicist's decades-long quest to rewrite reality</h2>



<p>Imagine the impossible: stepping back through time in a time machine, not in fantasy, but through a scientific endeavor driven by profound personal loss. For <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astrophysicist-says-hes-cracked-the-equation-for-time-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Ronald Mallett</a>, a distinguished astrophysicist and professor emeritus at the <a href="https://uconn.edu/">University of Connecticut</a>, this deeply human longing has fueled a lifelong mission. He claims to have discovered the equation that could unlock temporal displacement, pushing boundaries once deemed purely science fiction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-profound-grief-that-forged-a-vision">A profound grief that forged a vision</h2>



<p>Mallett's extraordinary pursuit began with devastating tragedy in 1955. At merely 10 years old, he endured his father Boyd's sudden death—a television repairman whose passion for science had ignited a similar spark in his young son. Boyd Mallett, only 33, succumbed to a heart attack, leaving behind a grief-stricken child searching for solace.</p>



<p>That solace came through H.G. Wells' <em>The Time Machine</em>. Within its pages, Mallett found a captivating concept: "Time is only a kind of Space." These words transformed from a literary phrase into a guiding principle, becoming the driving force behind his unwavering commitment to unraveling time's fundamental mysteries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-humble-beginnings-to-academic-heights">From humble beginnings to academic heights</h2>



<p>Mallett's journey was far from straightforward. After serving in the Air Force during the Vietnam War era, he utilized the GI Bill for higher education, earning his Ph.D. in physics from Pennsylvania State University in 1973 at the age of 28.</p>



<p>In 1975, he made history as the first African American professor in the University of Connecticut's physics department, achieving full professorship in 1987 before retiring in 2024 as professor emeritus.</p>



<p>Throughout these successful academic years, Mallett harbored his radical ambition as a closely guarded secret. "I kept my time travel goal a secret," he confessed. "I worried people would think I was nuts." His public research centered on black holes, serving as a "cover story" while he quietly developed his revolutionary time travel theory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-breakthrough-moment">The breakthrough moment</h2>



<p>His pivotal insight arrived while hospitalized for a heart condition—a profound irony given his father's heart attack started this journey. The breakthrough was elegantly simple yet revolutionary: "If gravity can bend time, and light can create gravity, then light can bend time."</p>



<p>"It turns out that black holes can create a gravitational field that could lead to the creation of time loops that could allow us to go back in time," he explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-blueprint-for-a-temporal-vortex">The blueprint for a temporal vortex</h2>



<p>Mallett's vision for a functioning time machine replicates spacetime-warping phenomena around black holes. He offers a compelling analogy: "Picture a cup of coffee. Stir it with a spoon, and the coffee swirls. A spinning black hole does the same to spacetime."</p>



<p>In Einstein's general relativity, the universe is a dynamic fabric woven from space and time. Massive objects like black holes warp this fabric—an effect we perceive as gravity. Mallett theorizes that an intense, continuous, circulating beam of light from a ring of powerful lasers could replicate this gravitational torsion, effectively twisting time into a loop.</p>



<p>This "time loop" would theoretically allow information—or perhaps matter—to travel backward in time. He detailed this mathematical concept in his 2006 autobiography, <em>Time Traveler: A Scientist's Personal Mission to Make Time Travel a Reality</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-published-research-and-recognition">Published research and recognition</h2>



<p>His work, published in respected journals including <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/physics-letters-a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physics Letters A</a></em> and <em><a href="https://link.springer.com/journal/10701" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Foundations of Physics</a></em>, suggests circulating laser light could generate gravitational fields potent enough to create closed timelike curves, enabling time travel for data.</p>



<p>Mallett's research has gained worldwide media attention, featured on <a href="https://www.thisamericanlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Public Radio's <em>This American Life</em></a>, the <a href="https://www.history.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">History Channel</a>, and <a href="https://www.today.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBC's <em>Today Show</em></a>. The widespread interest reflects both his compelling personal story and rigorous scientific approach.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-galactic-hurdles-and-persistent-skepticism">The galactic hurdles and persistent skepticism</h2>



<p>While Mallett's equations captivate imagination, the path to reality faces immense obstacles. The energy requirement is staggering—Mallett acknowledges needing "galactic amounts of energy," far beyond current technological capabilities.</p>



<p>There's also a poignant limitation: even if realized, his machine could only send information back to when it was first activated, meaning it couldn't transport him to 1955 to prevent his father's death.</p>



<p>The scientific community remains skeptical. Physicists Ken Olum and Allen Everett argue that Mallett's proposed laser ring would need to be larger than the observable universe to achieve the necessary spacetime distortion. They invoke Stephen Hawking's chronology protection conjecture, suggesting physics may prevent macroscopic time travel.</p>



<p>Astrophysicist Paul Sutter has voiced doubts about Mallett's underlying mathematics, while science writer Brian Clegg finds the concept intriguing enough to warrant experimental investigation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-legacy-that-transcends-time">A legacy that transcends time</h2>



<p>Now approaching 80, Dr. Mallett remains steadfast. "I believe my work will show time travel is possible," he asserts. "Future generations will build on it in ways we can't yet imagine."</p>



<p>His equations, though yet to physically bend time, have bent our collective imagination. Ongoing public interest, evidenced by his continued media appearances and Spike Lee's film adaptation of his memoir, underscores his ideas' profound impact.</p>



<p>More than a scientific pursuit, Mallett's story testifies to human resilience, intellectual courage, and hope's enduring power. Whether his theoretical time machine ever materializes, his legacy is immeasurable—inspiring countless individuals to challenge conventional limits and perceive time not as an unyielding barrier, but as a boundless frontier awaiting exploration.</p>



<p></p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elr4948_uOU Dr. Ronald Mallett from the University of Connecticut reveals...

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</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved">Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</h2>



<p>Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?</p>



<p>The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What was acid rain?</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The science behind it</strong></h2>



<p>Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.</p>



<p>While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The crisis at its peak</strong></h2>



<p>During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Environmental devastation</strong></h2>



<p>The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.</p>



<p>By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.</p>



<p>Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic impact</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The solution: government action and technology</strong></h2>



<p>Transformation from crisis to success required unprecedented cooperation between governments, industries, and environmental groups.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Clean Air Act of 1990</strong></h2>



<p>The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Cap-and-trade success</strong></h2>



<p>Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.</p>



<p>The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Technology advances</strong></h2>



<p>Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.</p>



<p>The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-we-don-t-hear-about-it-today"><strong>Why we don't hear about it today</strong></h2>



<p>Why did acid rain disappear from headlines? Simple: the problem was largely solved.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Success doesn't make news</strong></h2>



<p>There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mission accomplished</strong></h2>



<p>The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-really-gone"><strong>Is it really gone?</strong></h2>



<p>The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.</p>



<p>EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What this teaches us</strong></h2>



<p>The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.</p>



<p>Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.</p>



<p>Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.</p>



<p>This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.</p>



<p>Next time someone asks whether environmental regulations work, remember acid rain. It's proof that sometimes, we get it right.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p><strong>Sources:</strong> <em>This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></h2>



<p><strong>1. Is acid rain completely gone?</strong> No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.</p>



<p><strong>2. How long did solving take?</strong> Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.</p>



<p><strong>3. What made the solution successful?</strong> Clear scientific understanding, visible damage motivating action, bipartisan support, available technology, and innovative market-based policies like cap-and-trade.</p>



<p><strong>4. Do other countries have acid rain problems?</strong> Yes, particularly rapidly industrializing Asian countries. However, international environmental research shows many implement similar successful control strategies.</p>



<p><strong>5. Could acid rain return?</strong> Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.</p>



<p><strong>6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"?</strong> The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</a></p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

<p>Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. </p>



<p>The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.</p>



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
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<p>Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. </p>



<p>Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.</p>



<p>Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. </p>



<p>They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).</p>



<p>Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.</p>



<p>Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.</p>



<p>This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.</p>



<p>"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.</p>



<p>"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="http://csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.</p>



<p>"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.</p>



<p>"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."</p>



<p>"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."</p>



<p><em>Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="http://csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.</p>



<p>In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. </p>



<p>Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.</p>



<p>Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. </p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.</p>



<p>“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. </p>



<p>The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.</p>



<p>“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”</p>



<p>The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?</p>



<p>One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ACS Reactions</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

How does salt makes things taste better?

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;</p>



<p>'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."</p>



<p>"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Santiago, Chile in South America

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